Munster Assess Injuries Ahead Of Champions Cup Opener
The Munster players gathered at the University Limerick today for the first squad session of the week ahead of Saturday’s European Champions Cup opener at home to Benetton Treviso (kick-off 5.15pm). Over 16,000 tickets have now been sold for the Thomond Park clash.
Today’s training session also saw Anthony Foley’s men train in their new adidas 2015/16 European Range for the first time. It is now on sale from selected Life Style Sports stores and online at lifestylesports.com.
Gerhard van den Heever has been cited by the independent citing commissioner at BT Murrayfield last Saturday for an alleged dangerous tackle on his opponent in the 14th minute of the first half of the win over Edinburgh, for which he also received a yellow card. The winger’s hearing, before an independent PRO12 Rugby disciplinary committee, will take place tomorrow.
Following on from the 16-14 victory over Edinburgh, a number of bumps and bruises have been reported to the Munster medical staff.
Keith Earls (pictured above) sustained a concussion late in the second half and is currently following the return-to-play protocols.
His centre partner Francis Saili (calf) and forwards Donnacha Ryan (knee) and Jack O’Donoghue (forearm) also received knocks and will continue to be assessed this week, in addition to Tomas O’Leary, who was a late withdrawal on Saturday after failing a final fitness test due to a lower limb injury in the hours prior to kick-off.
Tyler Bleyendaal’s workload continues to be managed by the Munster medical staff, as he works his way back from a quad injury.
Having sustained a broken ankle at the Tbilisi Cup in June, Billy Holland made his return to competitive action with Cork Constitution in their one-point loss to Young Munster last Saturday. The second row suffered no ill-effects from his first 40 minutes of rugby this season.
A number of Munster Academy players also featured at Tom Clifford Park on the day, with Gearoid Lyons and Tomas Quinlan among the points scorers for Young Munster and Cork Con respectively.
Stephen Fitzgerald, another from the Academy ranks, crossed for a brace of tries in Shannon’s Division 1B away win over Belfast Harlequins, while Development centre Matt D’Arcy scored the only try of the game in Division 1A leaders Clontarf’s home triumph over Galwegians.
Meanwhile, Munster have confirmed that Shane Monahan has completed his time with the province. The winger joined on a short-term basis in providing World Cup cover and made three competitive appearances including two starts.
Head coach Foley, who had the newly-signed Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino (pictured above) and Sean Doyle training with the squad today, will name his first Champions Cup side of the season at midday on Friday.
Over 16,000 tickets have now been sold for the opening Pool 4 fixture. Tickets can be purchased from just €;60 for families (two adults & two kids), €;20 for adults and €;10 for juniors – they are available online here, from the the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park, or by calling 0818 719 300.
Munster v Treviso tickets can also be purchased as part of build-your-own match packs where you can save 10% on Champions Cup and PRO12 tickets. Click here to start building yours.