International Quartet Return To Training With Munster

Munster return to GUINNESS PRO12 action at Thomond Park on Saturday evening when they take on provincial rivals Connacht at 5.15pm.

The interprovincial encounter will be Munster’s last round game at the Limerick venue with the two remaining home fixtures taking place at Irish Independent Park in Cork, against Benetton Treviso and Newport Gwent Dragons respectively.

The Munster squad gathered in the University of Limerick today with a number of returning Ireland internationals in attendance, including Simon Zebo, Tommy O’Donnell, Felix Jones and Ian Keatley, while those who started against Scotland – captain Paul O’Connell, Conor Murray and Peter O’Mahony – enjoyed a rest day after a gruelling RBS 6 Nations campaign.

On the injury front, Donnacha Ryan has been ruled out of contention for this weekend’s derby clash after sustaining a concussion in the Munster ‘A’ game against Ulster Ravens in Nenagh last Thursday. The Tipperary man will continue to follow the return-to-play protocols.

There is good news for hooker Duncan Casey as he makes a full return to training this week after recovering from an ankle injury sustained during last month’s Lanzarote training camp, while James Cronin (knee) and Tyler Bleyendaal are both progressing well with their rehabilitation. Cronin (pictured below working with strength and conditioning coach Aidan O’Connell) is taking part in modified training and Bleyendaal has advanced with his return to contact training and continues to be monitored.

Cathal Sheridan (forearm) had a screw removed last week and Barry O’Mahony (ankle) had a plate removed, with both players now waiting on the healing process to complete before returning to their rehabilitation programmes.

Gerhard van den Heever, Robin Copeland, Dave Foley, Cian Bohane, Alan Cotter, Johnny Holland, Martin Kelly and Mike Sherry all continue with their rehab training schedules.

It was also confirmed today that Munster ‘A’ will play Connacht Eagles on Thursday week (April 2) at 3pm with the venue yet to be confirmed.

Tickets are on sale for Saturday’s Munster v Connacht match online here, from the ticket offices in Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park, or by calling 0818 719 300. Please note that the match-day hospitality is sold out.