Recovering Ryan And Hanrahan Remain In Contention

It was a busy morning with the first full squad training session of the week, and an equally busy afternoon with players and management up for the weekly media briefing.

Injured captain Peter O’Mahony was in attendance at training, keeping a close eye on his colleagues as they were put through their paces for the trip to Marseille.

It was positive news for the Munster panel with the return of Casey Laulala (hand) and James Cronin (sprained ankle) to training.

Prop Cronin returned to scrum sessions at the end of last week but made a full return to training on Tuesday, while centre Laulala has recovered from a fractured bone in his hand to make himself available for selection this weekend.

Head coach Rob Penney hailed JJ Hanrahan’s rehab progress as ‘miraculous’ as the young out-half continues to recover from groin injury.

“There is a slight possibility that JJ may be in contention later in the week. It’ll be a big ask to get him anywhere near Sunday but it possibly could happen,” said Penney.

Donnacha Ryan took part in partial training yesterday and he will continue to be assessed as the week continues.

Talking about a possible return for the Tipperary man, the Munster boss added: “It’s very much dependent upon how he comes through the next few days, as to whether he’ll be a possible option, but he’s not out of the reckoning either.”

Penney also spoke about the task ahead, with Munster facing the reigning European champions in Marseille.

“Toulon are a great side and deserve all the plaudits they receive. We will have to be at our very best and that may not be even good enough, but we’ll throw ourselves into it and give it a good crack.

“It’s an exciting week and I just hope the lads enjoy it, and the experience. We’ve just got to get the whole team on the same page and committed on the same level in order to achieve a positive outcome this weekend.”