Munster Get Their Pre-Season Regime Underway

The Munster squad returned to Cork IT for their first pre-season training session today. The morning included a weights programme in the gym with the afternoon comprising of conditioning drills and skills training.

The province’s players who were involved in the Ireland and Emerging Ireland matches last month were not in attendance and will return to training the week of July 15.

As is normal with the early weeks of pre-season training, a number of Munster Rugby academy players were also in attendance including Shane Buckley, Brian Haugh, Johnny Holland, Niall Horan, Harry McNulty, Darren Moroney and Darren O’Shea.

Club players also bolstered the pre-season training numbers with Gerry Hurley (scrum half, Cork Constitution), Mike Kelliher (centre, Richmond), Niall Kenneally (centre, UL Bohemians), Danny Kenny (back rower, UCD), Paddy Ryan (prop, Highfield) and Willie Ryan (back rower, UCC) taking part.

On the injury front, Stephen Archer (wrist), Keith Earls (shoulder) and Luke O’Dea (wrist) are all on track with their recovery.

Archer had his pins removed at the end of May and is expected to be back in full training at the end of July. O’Dea got his pins removed yesterday and commenced his fitness training today with Earls.

Felix Jones, who played for Ireland against the USA and Canada last month, underwent surgery on his shoulder yesterday and will not be available for the start of the season.