The Munster squad assemble today in Thomond Park and welcome back their international brigade ahead of what will be a crucial December fixture list. That schedule kicks off next Saturday with the Celtic League game against Ulster in Musgrave Park (7.10pm).

Ulster currently lie third in the table, just five points behind leaders Munster and Mark McCall will be looking for a strong performance from his charges following that surprise 20-12 reverse in Ravenhill before the break for the internationals.

Frank Sheahan, Paul O'Connell and Alan Quinlan are the obvious absentees from the Munster side but those involved in the past three weeks with the national squad have all come through unscathed. Quinlan will be outof action for six months, Sheahan will not see action this side of Christmas with O'Connell also struggling to make a return before then.

News of Christian Cullen is that he expects to resume contact towards the end of December and if his progress continues in its current vein, he is hopeful of being back playing some time in February.

Munster coach Declan Kidney is expected to name his squad for the Ulster game after training tomorrow (Wed).