Bleyendaal ‘Very Excited’ For European Bow

Munster have released the latest squad news from their camp ahead of Sunday’s opening European Champions Cup clash away to Racing 92.

Prop Dave Kilcoyne trained with the squad today and a final decision on his availability for Sunday’s pool opner in France will be made tomorrow.

Keith Earls took no part in today’s training session in Limerick and Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has admitted that the versatile back is an injury worry for the Racing match. 

Steve Crosbie took part in training having linked up with the Munster squad earlier this week. The former Leinster Academy out-half recently signed a three-month development contract at the province.

James Cronin is one player who will play no part on Sunday as the loosehead prop serves a four-week suspension following on from his citing for stamping during last Saturday’s GUINNESS PRO12 defeat to Leinster.

Tyler Bleyendaal and Erasmus met with the media today with Kiwi Bleyendaal in line to make his first European appearance for Munster this weekend. The out-half has enjoyed a really good start to the season and is looking forward to his first taste of European top tier rugby. 

“I’m very excited,” said Bleyendaal. “I was there or thereabouts last year, and then I didn’t get to play because of the injuries and it was very frustrating, but this year we’ve built nicely since the start of the year and the European competition seems to have come around very quickly.

“To start off against Racing away in Paris is something we’re very excited about. I’ve actually never been there before so I’m looking forward to visiting the city also. They’re a very dangerous side, full of world class players and if you give them too much ball they’ll punish you.”

He continued: “I know Dan (Carter) well from the Crusaders back home, and if he plays it’ll be a great challenge, he’s a world class player, a World Cup winner and it would be a battle for 80 minutes, but I would look forward to seeing him afterwards.”

Munster fans travelling to Paris in the coming days can check out the Munster Rugby Supporters Club’s essential travel guide here for all the meeting points.