Squad Update

Following a 16 week block of competitive action, the Munster squad availed of some down time last week before returning to training yesterday as preparations continue for this Sunday’s Guinness PRO12 clash against Ospreys at Irish Independent Park – KO 5pm.

On the injury front, Denis Hurley has been managing a calf strain and is expected to take part in full training this Thursday, while Cathal Sheridan has returned to full training after successfully rehabbing his calf complaint.
 
Stephen Archer has stepped up his rehabilitation to take part in modified training and his progress will continue to be reviewed by the Munster medical team.
  
BJ Botha underwent a successful surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament and will soon commence his post-op rehabilitation programme, while Duncan Casey (pec), Tyler Bleyendaal (quad) and Peter O’Mahony (knee) all continue with their respective rehabilitation programmes. 
  
Meanwhile, Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino and Sean Doyle have completed their time with the province.  Both players joined the province late last year on three-month contracts.  Amorosino made a total of 8 competitive appearances across Europe and the PRO12, while Doyle featured heavily for Munster A, starting every game of this season’s British and Irish Cup campaign.

Head Coach Anthony Foley will name his side to face Ospreys at midday on Friday.
 
Last weekend saw a number of senior and academy players avail of game time with their clubs in the AIL.
 
Darren Sweetnam and the academy’s Ned Hodson, Ryan Foley and Liam O’Connor helped Cork Constitution to a comprehensive 3-36 away win over Ballynahinch, while there was joy also for their Leeside rivals Dolphin.  Travelling to Dubarry Park, Cian Bohane, Peter McCabe and academy prop Brian Scott all featured in the 22-32 win, with Scott crossing for a try.
 
Elsewhere, a trio of academy trios lined out for Shannon, Garryowen and Young Munster respectively.
 
Sean McCarthy, Stephen Fitzgerald and Ollie Lyons made the trip to Donnybrook with Shannon where the Limerick side suffered a narrow 20-18 defeat, while David Johnston, Alex Wootton and Conor Oliver had slightly better fortunes with Garryowen at Dooradoyle, playing out a 16-all draw against Lansdowne.  Oliver was among the try scorers.  
 
Finally, Dan Goggin, Ben Kilkenny and Gearoid Lyons played their part as Young Munster enjoyed success on the road.  The Cookies defeated Old Belvedere 11-14 with Lyons kicking three penalties.

Munster v Ospreys, Guinness PRO12 Round 14, Sunday February 14^th at Irish Independent Park – KO 5pm.
 
Every point counts and you can be there to get behind the team! Tickets from just €;20 for Adults and €;40 for Families (2 adults & 2 kids, meaning kids go free) can be purchased online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, or by calling 0818 719 300.