Squad Update

Following Saturday’s hard fought win over Glasgow Warriors in Irish Independent Park, the squad reassembled in the High Performance Centre at UL this morning as preparations began for the visit of Ulster to Thomond Park this coming Saturday at 3pm.

Tyler Bleyendaal and Donnacha Ryan who both sustained concussions on Saturday night will follow return to play protocols this week with James Cronin requiring a scan for a knee injury sustained during the PRO12 encounter.

Conor Murray (shoulder) and CJ Stander (ankle) continue to be monitored by the medical team.

David Johnston was an early withdrawal for Garryowen due to a hip pointer in their win over Old Belvedere in the weekend’s AIL action, and won’t train this week.

Meanwhile, Ian Keatley is expected to take a full part in training at some stage this week.

Continuing to rehab – Jean Kleyn (neck), Dave Foley (wrist), Sean McCarthy (knee), Mike Sherry (back).

Joining Johnston in the Garryowen side that defeated Old Belvedere 26-19 at Dooradoyle were Alex Wootton and academy talents Steven McMahon, JP Phelan and Sean O’Connor with Wootton and McMahon both crossing for tries.  The result saw Belvedere relegated from Division 1A.

Strong squad and academy representation was also seen at Tom Clifford Park which played host to the all-Munster clash of Young Munster and Cork Constitution.  Cian Bohane, Robin Copeland and the academy’s Calvin Nash and Gavin Coombes lined out for the Cookies while the academy foursome of Shane Daly, Liam O’Connor, Vincent O’Brien and Rory Burke travelled with Con.  The hosts won out 3-0 on the day and both teams will chase a home semi-final in next Saturday’s final round.

In Division 1B, Duncan Casey and academy fullback Stephen Fitzgerald started for Shannon in their 13-19 loss to Buccaneers on the back pitch at Thomond Park, while at The Mardyke in Cork, Peter McCabe was part of the UCC side that defeated Galwegians 24-22, a result that keeps UCC in contention for the 1A playoffs.

On Sunday, John Madigan and academy prop Brian Scott took to the field for Dolphin against Old Wesley at Irish Independent Park where the Corkmen recorded a 22-10 win.  Dolphin have now moved out of the automatic relegation spot with just one game remaining.

Next Home Game:

Munster v Ulster, Guinness PRO12 round 20, Saturday April 15th at Thomond Park, ko 3pm.

Tickets can be purchased online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park, or by calling 061 421103.