Munster Forward Trio Set For Surgery
As the Munster squad gathered in Limerick today to commence preparations for their GUINNESS PRO12 match against the Scarlets, there were no fresh injury concerns following last Saturday’s bonus point win over Cardiff Blues.
There was further positive news with Denis Hurley and Tomas O’Leary both reporting no ill-effects following their return to action from respective ankle and neck/groin injuries.
Stephen Archer’s neck surgery has been confirmed for tomorrow, while squad captain Peter O’Mahony is expected to undergo surgery in the next few weeks once his knee settles further after rupturing his ACL in Ireland’s recent Rugby World Cup pool victory against France.
Academy second row John Madigan is another player expected to be sidelined for a number of months with a similar knee injury. The Dolphin clubman is also awaiting surgery.
Tyler Bleyendaal, who missed out on the latter stages of training last week due to illness, was back involved in today’s training session, while Billy Holland (ankle) is moving closer to a return to full training.
Johnny Holland (hamstring), Tommy O’Donnell (hip) and Peter McCabe (pectoral muscle) all continue with their respective rehab programmes.
Uruguayan prop Mario Sagario (pictured above) was training with the squad in a trial capacity today. Sagario, who possesses an Italian passport, featured for his country at Rugby World Cup 2015 and previously played for RC Massy in the French PRO D2.
Meanwhile, the dates and kick-off times for the Munster ‘A’ team’s British & Irish Cup fixtures have been confirmed. This week’s interprovincial friendly against Connacht Eagles on Thursday has been cancelled.
Munster ‘A’ will now complete their preparations for the B&I Cup with a clash with Ulster Ravens at Thomond Park on Wednesday, November 4 (kick-off 4.30pm).