Categories: Main News Munster Provincial URC

Munster Sign Andress And O’Shea

As Munster continue preparations for Saturday’s GUINNESS PRO12 derby meeting with Leinster, they have confirmed the signing of ex-Munster Academy player Darren O’Shea and former Ireland ‘A’ tighthead prop John Andress.

On the injury front, the Munster medical team has said that Mark Chisholm requires an extended break from the game following the concussion he sustained against the Newport Gwent Dragons at Thomond Park earlier this month. As a result, the Australian international will play no further part in this season’s competitive action.

There was better news for Francis Saili (shoulder) who took part in modified training today. He will be assessed by medical staff post-session with a view to taking part in full training later in the week.

Tomas O’Leary (groin) suffered no ill-effects from his return to competitive action against Zebre last weekend, with Denis Hurley (calf), Kevin O’Byrne (knee and calf), Peter O’Mahony (knee) and BJ Botha (knee) all continuing with their respective rehab programmes.

Meanwhile, former Munster Academy player Darren O’Shea will return to the province at the start of the 2016/17 season. From Crosshaven, O’Shea moved to Worcester Warriors at the start of the 2014/15 season after completing one year in the Greencore Munster Rugby Academy and has made 27 appearances for the English side who were promoted to the Aviva Premiership at the start of this season.

The 23-year-old lock is a product of the provincial age-grade system and featured for Munster ‘A’ in the British & Irish Cup.

The province have also announced that Edinburgh tighthead prop John Andress will begin a one-year deal with Munster in July. Capped for Ireland at Under-21 and ‘A’ level, the Ulster native enjoyed spells at Exeter, Worcester and Harlequins before joining Edinburgh on a two-year deal in 2014. The 32-year-old has made 48 appearances for the Scottish club.

On the domestic club front, Munster Academy members Tomas Quinlan, Ned Hodson, Ryan Foley and Rory Burke all featured for Cork Constitution in their 35-17 bonus point win over Terenure College at Temple Hill last Saturday, a result that sees Con climb to third in the Division 1A table. Quinlan racked up an impressive personal tally of 20 points with one try, three conversions and three penalties.