Latest Video: Fitzgerald On Farrell Role

Munster continued preparations for this Saturday’s Champions Cup return encounter against Stade Francais at Thomond Park with the first squad session of the week in UL today.

Following the announcement that Andy Farrell has joined the province in a temporary advisory role the incoming Ireland defence coach met the Munster squad while attending today’s training session.
 
Munster Rugby CEO Garrett Fitzgerald was present at this afternoon’s Champions Cup media session at the Castletroy Park Hotel where he discussed the Farrell news further.

 
 
On the injury front, Munster medical staff are still awaiting the results of a scan for BJ Botha after the tighthead sustained a knee injury in last Saturday’s Champions Cup loss to Stade Francais.
 
Andrew Conway continues to be managed by the medical team for the hip pointer he sustained in Paris while Tommy O’Donnell and Jack O’Donoghue have begun their return to play protocols.
 
Donnacha Ryan (knee) undertook some rehab running today and is expected to return to full training on Thursday, while Tyler Bleyendaal (quad) continues to be managed by the medical department.

James Cronin (ankle), Cathal Sheridan (calf), Dave O’Callaghan (adductor), Duncan Casey (pec), Stephen Archer (neck) and Peter O’Mahony (knee) all continue to manage their respective rehabilitation programmes.
 
In other news, academy and Cork Constitution prop Liam O’Connor has been registered as an additional player in this season’s Champions Cup squad.  O’Connor replaces his academy colleague JP Phelan in the squad as the Garryowen front-row is currently rehabbing a foot sprain.