Squad Update & AIL Involvement

Speaking with media today, Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus reported no major injury concerns following the win over Glasgow as Munster now prepare for a return to Champions Cup action against Leicester Tigers at Thomond Park this Saturday.

Peter O’Mahony reported a back spasm after his involvement on Friday and did not train today but will be in line for selection this weekend. Jaco Taute and Duncan Williams picked up respective bangs to the ribs and shoulder but are also expected to be passed fit for this weekend.

Erasmus also confirmed that Tyler Belenedaal will be available for selection, as will all of the province’s recently returned internationals.

There was positive news also for Francis Saili who, as expected, will return to full training this week with Erasmus stating the New Zealander will be ready for a return to action over the festive period.

Cian Bohane has also made excellent strides with a foot injury and will take a full part in training this week.

Currently unavailable – James Cronin (pec), Dave O'Callaghan (shoulder), Kevin O'Byrne (elbow), Sean McCarthy (knee), Mark Chisholm (concussion), Duncan Casey (knee), Mike Sherry (back), Cathal Sheridan (ankle).

In the AIL, Dave Foley, Darren O’Shea and Conor Oliver are just some of the senior and academy players who lined out for their clubs at the weekend.

O’Shea started for Cork Con as they moved up to second place in Division 1A after their 50-25 win over UCD at Temple Hill with the academy’s Liam O’Connor and Ned Hodson crossing for tries.

The academy’s Calvin Nash was among the try scorers as Young Munster suffered their second successive defeat, doing so again away to Lansdowne with academy back row Gavin Coombes also featuring for the Cookies.

The try scoring exploits didn’t stop there. Conor Oliver and academy back Steven McMahon both crossed for Garryowen – McMahon bagging a hat-trick – as the Sky Blues recorded a 41-26 win over Terenure at Dooradoyle. David Johnston and academy talents Bill Johnston and Sean O’Connor were also included in the host’s matchday side and the win sees the Limerick club climb to third in the 1A standings.

Steve Crosbie helped Old Belvedere end a three-match losing streak with a 15-0 home win over St. Mary's College. The Munster playmaker kicked one penalty and a conversion.

In Division 1B Dave Foley took to the field for UL Bohemians where a last minute penalty earned them an 18-17 win over UCC on the 4G pitch in UL. Peter McCabe started for UCC.

John Madigan and academy prop Brian Scott started for Dolphin, however the Cork men are back in the relegation zone after their 35-19 defeat by Ballynahinch at Irish Independent Park.

Shannon remain rooted to the bottom of the 1B table after their 53-12 defeat by Galwegians at Crowley Park with academy winger Greg O'Shea scoring one of the Limerick side’s two tries.

Munster v Leicester Tigers, European Champions Cup Round 3, Saturday December 10^th at Thomond Park – ko 3.15pm.

Over 23,000 tickets have now been sold for this game.

Tickets can be bought online here or from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park – 061 421103.