Murray And O’Connell Miss Out For Munster

Scrum half Conor Murray and captain Paul O’Connell are the most notable absentees from the 28-man Munster squad named for Saturday’s RaboDirect PRO12 derby clash with Leinster.

There had been optimism that Conor Murray might recover in time for this top of the table encounter, whereas fellow knee injury victim Paul O’Connell was always a doubt.

It is hoped, however, that both players may be in contention for inclusion in the Munster squad for next week’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Ulster.

Meanwhile, Munster Rugby have confirmed that scrum half Peter Stringer and young second row Dave Foley have agreed one-year contract extensions.

Stringer is currently on loan to Newcastle Falcons while Foley, who is out injured with a shoulder injury, opted for a one-year contract instead of the offered two-year deal.

MUNSTER Squad (v Leinster) – Backs (12): Duncan Williams, Tomas O’Leary, Ronan O’Gara, Ian Keatley, Simon Zebo, Danny Barnes, Lifeimi Mafi, Keith Earls, Denis Hurley, Johne Murphy, Scott Deasy, Felix Jones.

Forwards (16): Marcus Horan, Wian du Preez, BJ Botha, John Ryan, Stephen Archer, Damien Varley, Mike Sherry, Denis Fogarty, Donncha O’Callaghan, Mick O’Driscoll, Billy Holland, David O’Callaghan, Peter O’Mahony, Tommy O’Donnell, David Wallace, James Coughlan.