Casey And Sweetnam Resume Training With Munster

On the injury front, Duncan Casey and Darren Sweetnam return to full training this week. Hooker Casey has completed his rehabilitation for the knee injury he sustained against Glasgow Warriors in the Champions Cup in October, while winger/full-back Sweetnam is returning from the knee injury he suffered against Leinster in December.

The pair’s availability for this Friday’s round 14 clash with the Newport Gwent Dragons in Cork will be assessed as the week continues.

Speaking ahead of the Welsh side’s visit to Irish Independent Park, Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus said: “The Dragons are a very good team. Even when we had our internationals playing for us in the last away game against them (a 22-6 defeat), I can still remember the last lineout maul where they were all over us. They could have scored that last maul and we would have lost the game.

“They wouldn’t be a team that lose a lot of international players right now so it will be a good challenge. For us, this is a block of games where we have to do without a lot of international players either with the Under-20s or playing for the senior Ireland team against Italy this weekend so we are up against a tough, gutsy team without a lot of changes, so it will be tough.”

Meanwhile, young second row John Madigan will meet with a specialist this week for further review on the ankle injury he sustained while playing for Dolphin in Division 1B of the Ulster Bank League.

James Cronin (finger), Robin Copeland (thumb), Sam Arnold (knee), Alex Wootton (shoulder), Sean McCarthy (knee), Mark Chisholm (concussion) and Mike Sherry (back) are all currently sidelined for the province.

On the international front, John Ryan made his first Six Nations appearance in Ireland’s opening round loss to Scotland last Saturday. The Munster tighthead, who made his debut in the green jersey against Canada in November, came on as a second half replacement. Keith Earls crossed for his 20th Ireland try in Edinburgh.

Meanwhile, there were better fortunes the previous night for Munster Academy second row Fineen Wycherley and sub-Academy representatives Joey Conway, Adam Moloney, Jack Lyons and Conor Fitzgerald, all of whom were included in the Ireland Under-20 squad that defeated Scotland at Broadwood Stadium.

In Division 1A of the Ulster Bank League, Cian Bohane crossed for Young Munster for the second time in as many weeks, securing a bonus point win for the Cookies over Garryowen in the process.

Played under the floodlights at Dooradoyle on Friday night, the Limerick derby also saw the welcome return to action of Academy play-maker Bill Johnston following an ankle injury. Johnston was joined in the Garryowen line-up by his Academy colleague Steven McMahon.

Also in the league’s top flight, the Academy trio of Liam O’Connor, Vincent O’Brien and Rory Burke featured for Cork Constitution in their 19-3 victory over Dublin University at Temple Hill.

In Division 1B, Stephen Fitzgerald lined out for Shannon in their fruitful trip to Donnybrook where they recorded much-needed 26-22 success against Old Wesley.

Munster are back on home turf this Friday night in Cork when they welcome the Dragons to Irish Independent Park (kick-off 7.35pm). Start your weekend cheering on Munster plus supporters can avail of FREE PARKING in the Black Ash Park and Ride.

Tickets are priced at €;20 for adults, €;7 for juniors, €;7 for students and it is €;40 for family tickets (2 adults and 2 juniors). Tickets can be purchased online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, or by calling 061 421103.