Positive Injury Update For Munster Ahead Of First Tigers Tie

Peter O’Mahony had a back spasm after his involvement last Friday and did not train yesterday but will be in line for selection this weekend. Jaco Taute and Duncan Williams picked up respective bangs to the ribs and shoulder but are also expected to be passed fit for this weekend.

Rassie Erasmus also confirmed that Tyler Bleyendaal will be available for selection, as will all of the province’s recently returned Ireland internationals.

There was positive news too for Francis Saili who, as expected, will return to full training this week with Erasmus stating that the New Zealander will be ready for a return to action over the festive period. Cian Bohane has made excellent strides with a foot injury and will take a full part in training this week.

The following players are currently unavailable for Munster – James Cronin (pec), Dave O’Callaghan (shoulder), Kevin O’Byrne (elbow), Sean McCarthy (knee), Mark Chisholm (concussion), Duncan Casey (knee), Mike Sherry (back) and Cathal Sheridan (ankle).

In the Ulster Bank League, Dave Foley, Darren O’Shea and Conor Oliver are just some of the Munster senior and Academy players who lined out for their clubs at the weekend.

O’Shea started for Cork Constitution as they moved up to second place in Division 1A after their 50-25 win over UCD at Temple Hill, with the Academy’s Liam O’Connor and Ned Hodson crossing for tries.

The Academy’s Calvin Nash (pictured above) was among the try scorers as Young Munster suffered their second successive defeat, doing so again away to Lansdowne with Academy back rower Gavin Coombes also featuring for the Cookies.

The try-scoring exploits did not stop there. Oliver and Academy back Steven McMahon both crossed for Garryowen – McMahon bagging a hat-trick – as the Light Blues recorded a 41-26 victory over Terenure College at Dooradoyle. David Johnston and Academy talents Bill Johnston and Sean O’Connor were also included in the hosts’ matchday squad. The bonus point triumph sees the Limerick club climb to third in the standings.

Steve Crosbie helped Old Belvedere end a three-match losing streak with a 15-0 home win over St. Mary’s College. The Munster recruit kicked one penalty and a conversion.

In Division 1B, second row Foley took to the pitch for UL Bohemians where a last-minute penalty earned them an 18-17 success against UCC on the 4G pitch in UL. Peter McCabe started for UCC.

John Madigan and Academy prop Brian Scott started for Dolphin, however the Corkmen are back in the relegation zone after their 35-19 defeat by Ballynahinch at Irish Independent Park. 

Shannon remain rooted to the bottom of the 1B table after their heavy 53-12 loss to Galwegians at Crowley Park with Academy winger Greg O’Shea scoring one of the Limerick side’s two tries.

Meanwhile, over 23,000 tickets have now been sold for Munster v Leicester Tigers this Saturday at Thomond Park. Tickets can be bought online here or from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park – tel: 061 421103.