Squad Update

A number of bangs and bruises have been reported to Munster medical staff following Saturday’s Champions Cup loss to Stade Francais in Paris. Meanwhile, there was strong representation from the senior and academy ranks in the past weekend’s AIL action.

Following on from Saturday’s disappointing defeat to Stade Francais the medical department have issued the latest player update.
 
Andrew Conway, BJ Botha and Tommy O’Donnell were all first half replacements in Stade Jean Bouin after sustaining various knocks.
 
After an early collision Andrew Conway sustained a hip pointer and was replaced after nine minutes while BJ Botha was ruled out three minutes later after sustaining a knee injury.  The tighthead prop departed Paris in a knee brace and will undergo a scan today. 
 
The back row duo of Tommy O’Donnell and Jack O’Donoghue both sustained concussions and are following return to play protocols.
 
On the club front, in Division 1A Darren Sweetnam and Johnny Holland took to the field for Cork Constitution in their comprehensive 32-0 win over Old Belvedere at Temple Hill.  Holland continues to build his match fitness following an extended period on the side-lines with a hamstring injury and added two penalties and two conversions to Con’s tally.  Academy talents Ned Hodson, Rory Burke and Liam O’Connor also featured for the Cork-men with Hodson crossing for tries in the first and second half.
 
The academy’s Gearoid Lyons, Dan Goggin and Ben Kilkenny played their part in Young Munster’s 14-6 win over Terenure at Tom Clifford Park – Lyons kicking three penalties – while senior representatives Shane Buckley and Jordan Coghlan joined academy full-back Steven McMahon in travelling with Garryowen to face UCD at Bellfield.  Coghlan was amongst the try scorers but ultimately the college-men proved too strong for the Limerick side, running out decisive 45-19 winners.
 
In Division 1B academy players Sean McCarthy, Greg O'Shea, Stephen Fitzgerald and Ollie Lyons lined out for Shannon away to Dolphin at Irish Independent Park.  O’Shea, another returning to full fitness after long-term injury (achilles), crossed for the visitors in their 3-13 win.  Shannon’s academy foursome overcame some familiar faces in the Dolphin line-up – Cian Bohane, Peter McCabe and academy prop Brian Scott all played for the Cork side in a game that marked McCabe’s first competitive action of the season after he ruptured a pectoral muscle in Munster’s pre-season.
 
Finally, Kevin O’Byrne took to the field for UL Bohs who suffered a 15-17 home defeat to Ballymena in Annacotty – a result that keeps the Limerick club one place from bottom on the 1B table with Dolphin one place ahead in 8th.