Munster Issue Injury Update After Home Win
The Munster players met with medical staff this morning to assess bumps and bruises from the win over the Newport Gwent Dragons, while, with the break in GUINNESS PRO12 action this weekend, the squad also began a period of extended preparation for the trip to Cardiff Blues on Friday, March 18.
On the injury front, Mark Chisholm and Billy Holland both sustained concussions and will follow the return-to-play protocols, while Andrew Conway sustained a back spasm and is not expected to train tomorrow.
In positive news, Stephen Archer reported no ill-effects from his first PRO12 action since early October, Ronan O’Mahony (hamstring) is expected to return to full training tomorrow, while Duncan Casey (pec) will step up his progress by taking part in modified training tomorrow.
Tomas O’Leary (groin) and Denis Hurley (calf) as well as longer-terme absentees Peter O’Mahony (knee), Tyler Bleyendaal (quad), and BJ Botha (knee) all continue with their respective rehabilitation programmes.
Young back rower Jack O’Donoghue was one of eight Munster players included in the 35-man Ireland squad for rounds 4 & 5 of the RBS 6 Nations. Joining the Waterford native in national camp were Dave Foley, Tommy O’Donnell, Donnacha Ryan, CJ Stander, Keith Earls, Conor Murray and Simon Zebo.
O’Donnell sustained a stinger in last Saturday’s bonsu point win over Dragons and sat out training today. However, the Tipperary man is expected to train fully later in the week.
In other international news, Mario Sagario started for Uruguay as they claimed a major scalp with a 29-25 victory over the US Eagles in Montevideo in the final round of the Americas Rugby Championship.
On the club front, Munster Academy members Gearoid Lyons, Dan Goggin and Ben Kilkenny played their part for Young Munster as the Limerick side recorded a 28-13 win over UCD whom they leapfrogged into second in the Division 1A table.
Lyons kicked three penalties and two conversions with Kilkenny twice involved in a movement that swung from side to side before Goggin registered Young Munster’s second try.
Jordan Coghlan and a total of seven Academy players lined out at Temple Hill as Cork Constitution hosted Garryowen. Tomas Quinlan, Ned Hodson, Ryan Foley, Rory Burke and Liam O’Connor all featured for the home side as they recorded a 16-14 triumph, with Quinlan landing a conversion and three penalties.
Coghlan started alongside the Academy’s Conor Oliver and Alex Wootton for Garryowen with the latter amongst their try scorers. The result sees Con and Garryowen remain fourth and fifth respectively in the standings.
In Division 1B, Academy trio Stephen Fitzgerald, Greg O’Shea and Ollie Lyons started for Shannon as they suffered a 28-3 defeat to league leaders St. Mary’s College on the back pitch at Thomond Park. Shannon stay sixth in the table.
At Irish Independent Park, Cian Bohane, Peter McCabe and Academy prop Brian Scott all featured for Dolphin as Kevin O’Byrne and UL Bohs enjoyed an 18-6 success on the road. Despite the win, UL remain one place from bottom in ninth with Dolphin in seventh.
Academy centre Rory Scannell and full-back David Johnston both played in Munster’s PRO12 victory over Dragons. Scannell scored his first competitive try for Munster, while Academy second row Sean McCarthy was also included as a squad extra.
With a break in league proceedings this coming weekend, Munster return to PRO12 action away to Cardiff Blues on Friday week (March 18th) (kick-off 7.15pm). .
The province’s next home match is against Zebre at Thomond Park on Good Friday (March 25) (kick-off 7pm). Ticket from €;15 and €;30 for families can be purchased online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, or by calling 0818 719 300.