Brian Lima has returned to his native Samoa. Lima had been brought into the Munster squad in March but injured a quadricep muscle in training in the week leading up to the Heinken Cup quarter final game against Biarritz.

It was expected that the injury would clear up in time to allow the Samoan play a part in the latter stages of the Celtic League and/or Cup but that has not proved to be the case.

Whilst he had resumed training with the Munster squad it was felt he would not have a realistic chance of taking part in the remainder of the Celtic Cup competition.

"Bringing Brian in when we did, was I believe, the right thing to do". Munster coach Alan Gaffney said.

"I think most clubs would have done the same in the circumstances.

"Unfortunately, he picked up that injury and that s something you just cannot legislate for. I was disappointed and I know he was also because he was looking forward to fulfilling a role for us. But that s the way it goes. He was back training but at this stage I don t think I could have considered playing him, so I think it only fair that he be allowed home to his family.

Meanwhile Munster began their preparation for the Celtic Cup semi-final clash with Leinster (Lansdowne Road Sunday 5.30pm) with a squad session today in Limerick.

Marcus Horan who took a knock his right wrist in the game against Edinburgh last Saturday has recovered fully while Ronan O Gara also took a full part and Gaffney expressed his satisfaction with the player s progress.

I am delighted with the progress Rog has made. His rehab has gone extremely well although at this stage it is still too early to say if he will be involved on Sunday. He is very close to being right but we ll wait till later in the week to decide whether or not to include him in the squad.