Updated Player Injury News

Monday’s round 11 Guinness PRO12 victory against Leinster has come at a price with Darren Sweetnam and Andrew Conway both under medical review.

Darren Sweetnam who sustained a knee injury just before half-time will undergo further investigation, requiring specialist opinion.  The Cork-man, who started every game this season, has been ruled out of Saturday’s encounter against Connacht and for the immediate future.
 
Although Sweetnam’s replacement, Andrew Conway, finished the game, the winger reported an elbow injury and despite initial reports that he would not be available this weekened, the injury is now not as bad as first feared.  The medical department will assess his availability following today's training session.
    
On a positive note Francis Saili showed no ill effects following his return to action and came through 20 minutes of rugby for the first time this season.

Academy prop Brian Scott (elbow) has also returned to full training after receiving the all clear following a scan last week.
   
Currently unavailable – Alex Wootton (shoulder), Sean McCarthy (knee), Mark Chisholm (concussion), Duncan Casey (knee), Mike Sherry (back), Cathal Sheridan (ankle).
 
With the five-day turnaround for Connacht, preparations are well underway for the visit to the Sportsground on New Year’s Eve.  In managing player welfare a number of the international contingent will be unavailable and due to the latest injury concerns Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus will be forced to ring a number of changes for the round 12 encounter against the reigning Champions.