Munster Monitor Injuries Ahead Of Edinburgh Encounter

On the injury front, backs Colm O’Shea and Andrew Conway will follow the return-to-play protocols after both players sustained concussion in last Saturday’s GUINNESS PRO12 round 3 win over the Dragons.

Keith Earls, who was a late withdrawal from the matchday squad in Newport after reporting a tight hamstring, will take part in rehab running this week.

As expected, Stephen Archer (neck) returns to full training today, while Rory Scannell (also neck) will take part in modified training. Tommy O’Donnell continues to follow the return-to-play protocols following the concussion he sustained in the round 2 tie against Cardiff Blues.

Following an initial consultation with the specialist, there was positive news for Dave Foley, however at this stage the medical team are currently waiting on the final report. Squad captain Peter O’Mahony (knee) will return to modified training this week.

Continuing to rehab are Simon Zebo (ribs), Kevin O’Byrne (elbow), Sam Arnold (knee), Mark Chisholm (concussion), Sean McCarthy (knee), Francis Saili (shoulder) and Mike Sherry (back).

Meanwhile, in the Ulster Bank League, a number of Munster’s senior and Academy players lined out for their respective clubs over the weekend.

In Division 1A, Robin Copeland took to the pitch for Young Munster in what turned out to be one of the ties of the weekend as Old Belvedere snatched a last-gasp win at Tom Clifford Park, defeating the hosts 36-35.

David Johnston was among the try scorers for Garryowen as the Limerick side also suffered a narrow defeat, going down 32-25 to Lansdowne at Dooradoyle. Alex Wootton and the Academy’s Steven McMahon also featured for Garryowen.

Darren O’Shea and the Academy’s Ned Hodson and Shane Daly had better fortunes as they travelled to Dublin with Cork Constitution where they secured a 20-16 win over St. Mary’s College. 

In Division 1B, John Andress and Academy full-back Stephen Fitzgerald saw game-time with Shannon as the Limerick side suffered a 25-19 defeat at home to Ballymena, while Peter McCabe was among the try scorers for UCC as the college men lost their first game following promotion to 1B, going down narrowly to Old Wesley on a 23-20 scoreline.

Heavy representation in the age-grade Interprovincial action also meant a number of Academy players were unavailable for club selection over the weekend.

Munster return to Thomond Park for the first time this season on Saturday, hosting Edinburgh at 3pm. Adult tickets from €;20 and Family tickets from €;40 (two adults & two juniors) can be purchased online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, or by calling 0818 719 300.

Tickets can also be bought as part of match packs – select a minimum of three games and save 10% across the cost of all tickets. Click here to start building your match pack now. Full ticket information here.