Squad Update

The Munster squad returned to training at the High Performance Centre in UL today ahead of next Saturday’s Guinness PRO14 clash against Cardiff Blues in Wales (5.30pm).

There are no fresh injury concerns following the bonus-point 33-5 win over Zebre at Thomond Park on Saturday night.

Dave O’Callaghan and Dan Goggin both made their Guinness PRO14 returns after long-term injuries and came through the game with no issues.

Along with the 23 players involved against Zebre, four Munster players also played their part as Ireland defeated Italy 56-19 in the 6 Nations with Conor Murray picking up the Man of the Match award.

Keith Earls touched down in the win with Peter O’Mahony also starting as replacement CJ Stander came off the bench for the second half.

Greencore Munster Rugby Academy player James McCarthy (UL Bohs) was awarded Man of the Match and scored a brace of tries as the Ireland U20s defeated Italy 38-34 at Donnybrook on Friday night. Fellow Academy player Jack O’Sullivan (UCC) started at no.8 for the clash with prop James French (UCC) and hooker Diarmuid Barron (Garryowen) featuring off the bench in the win.

Munster’s Dave Johnston and Bill Johnston and Academy players Sean O’Connor and Liam Coombes all featured for Garryowen as the Limerick side defeated Dublin University 52-20 in Division 1A of the All Ireland League. There were two tries for Dave Johnston and one for Coombes in the impressive victory.

On the injury front, Tyler Bleyendaal is progressing well with his neck rehabilitation while Tommy O’Donnell is continuing to rehab his AC joint injury.

Continuing to rehab: Andrew Conway (knee), Tommy O’Donnell (AC joint), Jaco Taute (knee).

Next home game

Guinness PRO14: Munster v Glasgow Warriors, Irish Independent Park, Fri 23 Feb, 7.pm; 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.