Botha was forced to retire in the 28th minute and medical examination confirmed he had suffered a calf tear that will see him miss Munster's opening games in the RaboDirect PRO 12 League that begins on September 3rd with the game against The Dragons in Cork.

Good news for James Coughlan however, who was also forced to retire (eye injury) but has been given the all clear and he is availble to be named in the squad for Friday's clash with London Irish as is Tomas O'Leary who trained with the squad this morning after his surprise omission from the World Cup squad.

Darragh Hurley (achilles) and Development contracted Troy Smith (cruciate) will not be considered for that game nor will Johne Murphy who damaged a hamstring in the game at Donnybrook last Thursday but Murphy expects to be in action in time for consideration for the Dragons game.

Munster face a busy weekend with the game against London Irish preceded by the A game between Munster and Connacht in a Thomond Park Stadium double-header.

Both squads for those games will be announced tomorrow afternoon.

Tickets for the senior game will be valid for the "A" game.