Squad Update | Munster Prepare For Trip To Milan

18th February 2020 By The Editor

Ciaran Parker made his return from injury for Shannon RFC. Inpho

The Munster squad started their preparations on Monday for this Friday night’s Guinness PRO14 clash against Zebre at Stadio Giovanni Mari in Milan (8.35pm local/7.35pm Irish time).

There are no injuries to report following Friday night’s win over Southern Kings and there is positive news on the injury front for Darren Sweetnam and Ciaran Parker as they both made a return to action in the All Ireland League.

Sweetnam (hamstring) lined out for Cork Constitution and Parker (calf) featured for Shannon with both players making successful returns.

Tommy O’Donnell (hamstring) went through the warm-up with the squad ahead of the Southern Kings clash and is also available for Friday’s clash in Italy.

Speaking ahead of the game, Head Coach Johann van Graan said: “This part of the season is about your squad. Some guys who played well against the Kings (last Friday night) won’t play this weekend, not because of performance, but you have to develop your squad, it’s important that some guys from the academy will get a chance again this weekend.”

In all, there were 14 Munster players in All Ireland League action at the weekend.

Four Munster players helped Cork Con to a 16-5 win over Ballynahinch. Senior duo Sweetnam and Liam O’Connor were in action for Con alongside Academy pair Alex McHenry and Jonathan Wren.

Academy duo Alan Tynan and Josh Wycherley lined out for Young Munster in their 21-9 victory over Dublin University.

Senior winger Alex Wootton touched down for Garryowen in their 8-5 win over Terenure College with senior man Seán O’Connor and Academy pair Diarmuid Barron and Jack Stafford also in action.

Academy out-half Jake Flannery kicked a conversion for Shannon in their 17-10 win over Old Wesley with senior duo Craig Casey and Ciaran Parker, and Academy man Eoghan Clarke also featuring.

Continuing to rehab: Jean Kleyn (neck), Rhys Marshall (knee), Joey Carbery (wrist), Tadhg Beirne (ankle), Brian Scott (foot), Tyler Bleyendaal (neck).