Munster Name Extended Squad For Treviso Tie
The Munster players who were rested due to national player welfare policy for the festive derbies against Connacht and Ulster have all been named in the extended squad for the visit of Benetton Treviso to Limerick this Saturday.
Included in that extended squad is Ireland’s newly-appointed Six Nations captain Paul O’Connell who takes over from the injured Brian O’Driscoll.
O’Connell also revealed today that he has signed a two-year extension to his contract that will keep him with Munster until the end of the 2013/14 season.
Munster trained at the University of Limerick on Tuesday and will complete theior preparation for the Benetton Treviso game on Thursday in Cork.
Omissions from the selected panel include Tom Gleeson (shoulder) and Tommy O’Donnell (knee), who were both injured against Ulster, and Denis Leamy (hip) who was withdrawn ahead of last weekend’s interpro derby.
Meanwhile, Damien Varley, who also retired injured in Belfast, is in contention to feature in the matchday squad for the clash with the Italian outfit.
MUNSTER Squad (v Benetton Treviso) – Backs (12): Denis Hurley, Johne Murphy, Will Chambers, Danny Barnes, Keith Earls, Lifeimi Mafi, Simon Zebo, Ian Keatley, Ronan O’Gara, Duncan Williams, Conor Murray, Tomas O’Leary.
Forwards (18): Marcus Horan, Stephen Archer, John, Ryan, Wian du Preez, BJ Botha, Damien Varley, Denis Fogarty, Donncha Ryan, Paul O’Connell, Donncha O’Callaghan, Ian Nagle, Mick O’Driscoll, Peter O’Mahony, Niall Ronan, Billy Holland, David O’Callaghan, Paddy Butler, James Coughlan.