Squad Update Ahead Of Connacht Clash

The Squad trained in UL today ahead of what is now a must-win interprovincial derby away to Connacht if Munster are to secure qualification for the knock-out stages of the RaboDirect PRO12.

This weekend Rob Penney’s side will travel to the Sportsground seeking an improved performance after a lacklustre and error ridden outing against Glasgow Warriors last Saturday when Munster suffered their first home league defeat of the season.

But Connacht will present their own challenges when looking to restore pride in front of their home support, and bounce back from the heavy defeat they suffered against Ulster in Ravenhill.

On the injury front JJ Hanrahan (groin) waits on an update from the specialist and will continue to be monitored by the medical staff.

BJ Botha was absent from training today due to illness but Penney was positive about the prop’s availability for the next round after sustaining a mild ankle injury at the weekend.

While Casey Laulala remains on course to return to training next week in time for the Toulon clash. The centre suffered a fractured bone in his right hand during Munster’s win over Toulouse in the Heineken Cup.

Both Donnacha Ryan (foot) and James Cronin (ankle) were active in UL today and continue to make good progress with their own rehabilitation programmes.

Munster back-row Sean Dougall, who made a return to the starting line-up last Saturday in Thomond Park, had the following to say about this weekend’s challenge; “We need to redeem ourselves against Connacht, as a squad and as a pack.

"We have to get a result this weekend, it is vital to our season progression and we can’t afford to look beyond the Sportsground this Saturday. Every game is now essentially a Cup Final and needs to be treated like so – we’ve put ourselves in this position and it’s for us to get out of it.”

Munster v Connacht, Sportsground, Galway – Sat April 19th. KO 6:15pm