Squad Update

The Munster squad returned to training at UL today ahead of next week’s RaboDirect PRO12 clash against Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park.

The players who featured for the Irish Wolfhounds have been given an extra few days off and will resume training on Friday.

With no game this weekend, the players will mostly be undergoing fitness testing and conditioning games/programmes will be taking place.

On the injury front, Paddy Butler was stretchered off playing for Shannon at the weekend with a suspected neck injury but a serious injury has been ruled out and Butler will continue to be monitored by the Munster medical staff.

Luke O’Dea has started to resume limited training – non-contact initially – as he continues to recover from the broken thumb injury he sustained playing for Munster A away to Plymouth Albion in December.

Sean Dougall, who sprained an ankle against Connacht in December, and Cathal Sheridan, who injured his knee at Ravenhill in January, are both taking part in rehab running.

Academy player Johnny Holland is expected to return to non-contact training at the end of the week after hurting his ribs in Munster A’s win over Stirling County 10 days ago.

Donnacha Ryan, Keith Earls and Ivan Dineen will continue with their rehabilitation, the former pair continue to recover from knee injuries and Dineen from an ankle sprain.

Long-term absentees Mike Sherry (knee/shoulder) and Niall Ronan (knee) continue to follow their programmes.