Squad Update

31st January 2023 By The Editor

Kiran McDonald runs out for his Munster debut at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Inpho

The Munster squad are on a down week after an intense period of 10 games in 10 weeks.

In player news, we can confirm that Kiran McDonald and John Ryan have completed their short-term contracts at the province.

Kiran made three appearances for Munster after signing as injury cover. The lock made his Munster debut against South Africa A at Páirc Uí Chaoimh and also helped the province to victory over Ulster in Belfast, playing the full 80 minutes in both games. We wish Kiran all the best with his next move.

John played eight times over the past three months including his landmark 200th Munster appearance and 50th Champions Cup cap. The tighthead prop has joined the Chiefs in New Zealand for the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season and we wish him all the best with the move.

Eight members of Munster’s senior squad are in Portugal with the Ireland men’s side ahead of their 6 Nations opener in Wales on Saturday with Ben Healy in Spain with the Scotland squad ahead of their clash away to England.

Greencore Munster Rugby Academy trio Ruadhan Quinn, Evan O’Connell and Jack Oliver are among the Munster contingent in the Ireland U20s squad ahead of their opener away to Wales on Friday night.

Ruadhan was one of three Academy players who featured in Munster’s win over Benetton on Saturday with Mark Donnelly and Cian Hurley also making senior appearances.

Along with the 23 players who faced Benetton at the weekend, there were six Munster players in AIL Division 1A action for their clubs.

Liam O’Connor helped Cork Constitution to a victory over Ballynahinch.

Tony Butler kicked three penalties and a conversion as Garryowen defeated Lansdowne.

Chris Moore and Fionn Gibbons were in the Young Munster squad that overcame Dublin University.

Kieran Ryan and Darragh McSweeney lined out for Shannon in their defeat to UCD.

On the injury front, Calvin Nash was removed with a rib injury in Treviso and will be managed by the medical department.

Mike Haley will begin a period of rehabilitation with the medical department after sustaining an ankle injury away to Toulouse earlier this month.

As confirmed in Friday’s team announcement, Keynan Knox (knee) returned to full training last week.

Continuing to rehab: James French (leg), Jeremy Loughman (thigh), Tom Ahern (shoulder), RG Snyman (knee), Paddy Kelly (head), Jack Daly (knee), Andrew Conway (knee).