Squad Update
5th February 2018 By The Editor
Head Coach Johann van Graan and Tyler Bleyendaal.
The squad gathered in the HPC today to continue their preparations for Saturday’s Guinness PRO14 encounter against Zebre in Thomond Park (7.35pm).
The ins-and-outs of Irish camp this week see Dave Kilcoyne and Jack O’Donoghue join the squad in Carton House, while Andrew Conway and James Cronin have returned to the province, with Conway rehabbing a knee injury.
Five of Munster’s Ireland representatives – Peter O’Mahony, CJ Stander, Conor Murray, Keith Earls and John Ryan – all featured in Saturday’s dramatic opening Six Nations win in Paris.
On the injury front, Head Coach Johann van Graan gave a positive update on Tyler Bleyendaal today, noting the outhalf is progressing well with his neck rehabilitation, however Johann did confirm the playmaker will not be available this weekend.
On the club front a number of players featured across the All Ireland League at the weekend.
In Division 1A academy players Alex McHenry and Vincent O’Brien played their part in Cork Con’s 41-6 victory against Dublin University in Temple Hill.
In Limerick, Garryowen ended Lansdowne’s unbeaten run to win 24-16 with Liam Coombes adding a try, while Young Munster, including Alan Tynan and Fineen Wycherley, continued their challenge with a win away to St. Mary’s College.
Moving on to Division 1B, Shannon were held to a 15-15 draw away to Banbridge with Ciaran Parker and Conor Fitzgerald involved, the latter kicking a penalty and conversion.
Dave O’Callaghan played the full 80 with his club Dolphin RFC in Irish Independent Park where it was honours even against Old Wesley.
Academy prop Rob O’Donovan started for UCC as the students defeated Ballymena 58-12 to move into the play off places.
At the other end of the table U.L. Bohemian moved out of the relegation zone with a 34-19 home win over Old Belvedere with Joey Conway in the starting line-up and Keynan Knox on the bench.
Continuing to rehab: Tommy O’Donnell (AC joint), Jaco Taute (knee).
Next game
Guinness PRO14: Munster v Zebre, Thomond Park, Sat. 10 Feb, 7.35pm; Tickets available online, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park, or by calling 061 421103. Tickets from just €7 with Family packs (two adults and two children) available for just €40.
