Munster Have Reinforced Squad For Aironi Game

Munster captain Paul O’Connell leads the list of returning Ireland internationals included in the province’s squad for their RaboDirect PRO12 encounter with Aironi Rugby at Musgrave Park on Friday (kick-off 8.30pm).

All of the Munster players who represented Ireland in the recent Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Wales are back to boost Tony McGahan’s selection options.

After defeats to Edinburgh and the Ospreys, the reigning league champions will be keen to get back to winning ways ahead of next week’s interprovincial derby against Leinster.

McGahan’s squad assembled for the first time since the World Cup in Limerick yesterday and they trained this morning at Thomond Park, with indications being that most of those involved in the World Cup will see action on Friday in Cork.

After training, the Munster head coach confirmed that hooker Mike Sherry (ankle) will be out of action for between six and eight weeks.

Sherry, who sustained the injury playing for Garryowen in the Ulster Bank League, joins David Wallace, Troy Smith, Felix Jones, Jerry Flannery, Peter Borlase and Darragh Hurley on the province’s injury list.

MUNSTER Squad (v Aironi Rugby) – Backs (14): Tomas O’Leary, Conor Murray, Duncan Williams, Peter Stringer, Ian Keatley, Ronan O’Gara, Keith Earls, Danny Barnes, Lifeimi Mafi, Will Chambers, Doug Howlett, Denis Hurley, Johne Murphy, Scott Deasy.

Forwards (18): Marcus Horan, Wian du Preez, John Hayes, BJ Botha, Stephen Archer, Damien Varley, Denis Fogarty, Mick O’Driscoll, Donnacha Ryan, Donncha O’Callaghan, Paul O’Connell, Billy Holland, Denis Leamy, Niall Ronan, Peter O’Mahony, Tommy O’Donnell, David O’Callaghan, James Coughlan.