Squad Update

Following strong representation in AIL action over the weekend, the Munster squad today gathered in UL and continued preparations for Glasgow Warriors in Round 3 of the Guinness PRO12 at Thomond Park this Friday – KO 6pm.

A break in PRO12 action for a second consecutive weekend saw number of the Munster senior squad avail of some game time with their clubs in the AIL on Saturday.

Following two opening defeats, Dolphin returned to winning ways against UL Bohemian with Niall Scannell crossing for a try. Cian Bohane and academy lock John Madigan also featured for the Cork-men with Kevin O’Byrne lining out for Bohs.

Shane Buckley and Jordan Coghlan joined a number of academy talents in Garryowen’s defeat of Cork Constitution at Dooradoyle. Steve McMahon and Alex Wootton were amongst the try scorers for the light-blues with JP Phelan featuring from the bench while playmaker Tomás Quinlan kicked four penalties and a conversion for a Con side that also featured John Ryan and Darren Sweetnam, and Quinlan’s academy colleagues Ryan Foley and Ned Hodson.

Shannon lost away to St Mary’s College with Shane Monahan and the academy’s Sean McCarthy, Niall Horan and try scorer Stephen Fitzgerald making the journey to Templeville Road also. Matt D’Arcy was another who made the journey to Dublin – lining out for Clontarf in their 38-17 win over Ballynahinch.

A clean bill of health was reported from all players involved in club action over the weekend with this time of year seeing a couple of the squad overcome seasonal colds and flus this week.

Those currently sidelined through injury continue to follow their tailored rehabilitation programmes with Denis Hurley (ankle) now in the advanced stages of his recovery. The centre will soon recommence contact training.

Tyler Bleyendaal spoke with media following today’s session and looked ahead to what will be his first competitive appearance for Munster at Thomond Park this Friday night, while Head Coach Anthony Foley spoke about the earlier kick-off time of 6pm to facilitate an extremely heavy TV schedule of rugby at present. Foley credited those who ensured that the game will still be televised in listings that are already rugby saturated and said he looked forward to welcoming a strong local support to the first competitive game of the season in Thomond Park.

Munster v Glasgow, Guinness PRO12 Round 3, Friday October 2^nd at Thomond Park – KO 6pm.

Tickets from just €;20 for Adults and €;7 for Juniors can be purchased online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, or by calling 0818 719 300.