Squad Prepare For Toulon

The Munster squad held their training session in Musgrave Park today in preparation for Sunday’s Heineken Cup semi-final against Toulon.

It was a busy morning with the first full squad training session of the week, and an equally busy afternoon with players and management up for the weekly media briefing.

Captain Peter O’Mahony was in attendance at today’s practice keeping a close eye on his colleagues as they were put through their paces for the trip to Marseille.

It was positive news for the group with the return of Casey Lauala (hand) and James Cronin (sprained ankle) at training today.

Cronin returned to scrum sessions at the end of last week but made a full return to training today, while Casey Laulala has recovered from a fractured bone in his hand to make himself available for selection this weekend.

Rob Penney hailed JJ Hanrahan’s rehab progress as “miraculous” as the young out-half continues to recover from groin injury. The Head Coach said “there is a slight possibility that he may be in contention later in the week. It’ll be a big ask to get him anywhere near Sunday but it possibly could happen.”

Donnacha Ryan took part in partial training today and he will continue to be assessed as the week continues. Talking about a possible return for the Tipperary man Penney added “It’s very much dependent upon how he comes through the next few days, as to whether he’ll be a possible option, but he’s not out of the reckoning either.”

Rob also spoke about the task ahead, with Munster facing the reigning Champions on Sunday in Marseille. “Toulon are a great side and deserve all the plaudits they receive. We will have to be at our very best and that may not be even good enough but we’ll throw ourselves into it and give it a good crack.

“It’s an exciting week and I just hope the lads enjoy it, and the experience. We’ve just got to get the whole team on the same page and committed on the same level in order to achieve a positive outcome this weekend.”