Squad Update Pre-Connacht

3rd January 2018 By The Editor

Billy Holland has started every game so far this season but will miss the Connacht clash on Saturday

Munster Head Coach Johann van Graan continues to count the cost of Monday’s defeat to Ulster with a number of players reporting to the medical department as the squad returned to the HPC in Limerick today with preparations commencing for Saturday’s game against Connacht in Thomond Park (7.45pm). Tickets.

The round 12 encounter saw Billy Holland, Calvin Nash, Niall Scannell, Tommy O’Donnell and James Cronin all exit early through various knocks, while Chris Cloete was another casualty following the final whistle on New Year’s Day.

Billy Holland, who was replaced after 22 minutes for a HIA, is following return to play protocols, and with a five-day turnaround for Connacht will play no part for the first time this season.

Cloete is another who is following return to play protocols after reporting symptoms post-match.

Calvin Nash (hip), Niall Scannell (ribs) and Tommy O’Donnell (shoulder) will need to be assessed further with the trio not expected to be available this weekend.

James Cronin, who was treated for cramp on New Year’s Day, will train fully today.

Ronan O’Mahony, who was the latest to fall foul of the seasonal illnesses, is expected to train later this week.

A further positive sees Chris Farrell return to training after overcoming the knee injury sustained while playing for Ireland in the November internationals.

Rhys Marshall continues to follow return to play protocols for a concussion sustained against Leicester.

After returning to field based training last week, Dan Goggin (knee) and Gerbrandt Grobler (ankle) will continue with their return to play rehab this week.

Continuing to rehab:

Tyler Bleyendaal (neck), Jaco Taute (knee), Dave O’Callaghan (knee).