Squad Update

Get the thoughts of Head Coach Anthony Foley post Dragons, and the latest update on the squad as they prepare to face Ulster this Friday night at Thomond Park in Round 9 of the Guinness PRO12.

Speaking after Munster’s comprehensive 38-12 victory away to Newport Gwent Dragons, and while reflecting on the bonus point win that now places his team third on the PRO12 table, Foley made particular reference to a couple players.

The first of those was JJ Hanrahan. Best known for his exploits at 10 and on occasion at centre, the Kerry native made his debut at full-back for the province against Dragons and the Head Coach seemed pleased with his performance.

“JJ’s a talented rugby player and we just want to get the ball in his hand and let him run and we just felt that trying him at 15 would allow him a bit more freedom to get his running game going.

“I thought he went ok tonight, he put in a very solid display at fullback I thought he would have been tested a bit more under the high ball but he wasn’t. He dealt with a lot of things back there positionally and kicked well, and obviously set-up Andrew Smith’s try. We’re looking to get as many footballers on the pitch as possible.”

Foley was delighted to see the returning Dave O’Callaghan make his first appearance for the province since February after successfully rehabbing a knee injury.

“It was brilliant to get Dave back and hopefully he’ll get more game time in the next few weeks, he’s a talented player who has been injured for a long period so it was great to have him back in our squad.”

In a bid to gain as much game time as possible, O’Callaghan departed the hotel early Saturday morning to catch a flight from Birmingham to Cork to play 40 minutes for Dolphin in their Ulster Bank League game against St. Mary’s at Irish Independent Park – the visitors winning out 18-27 on the day.

The Head Coach also made reference to new signing Pat Howard who made his debut for Munster at Rodney Parade having joined on a three month contract from Western Province earlier this month.

“Pat carried 1 ball and made a nice tackle, he has good awareness and it’s great to have him in the jersey and it just brings a bit more competition to the backline.”

Eubesio Guinazu was a late withdrawal on Friday night with a tight hamstring and he will undergo further assessment this week, while Andrew Conway who was replaced in the first half against Newport Gwent Dragons sustained a concussion and is currently following return to play protocols.

The returning internationals will be integrated into the squad as the week continues, and as confirmed by the IRFU, Conor Murray will continue to follow and complete the Head Injury Assessment process.

Gerhard van den Heever returns to full contact training this week after recovering from a mid-foot sprain.

Injured players Donnacha Ryan (toe), Damien Varley (foot), Mike Sherry (shoulder), Keith Earls (knee), Cian Bohane (knee) and James Cronin (ankle) are continuing with their rehabilitation programmes.

Meanwhile a number of senior squad members lined out for their respective clubs in Ulster Bank League action over the weekend.

In Division 1A, both Johnny Holland and Ivan Dineen started for Cork Constitution in the club’s 25-25 draw with UCD, while Martin Kelly and Alan Cotter featured for Young Munster as the Cookies went down 28-21 away to Lansdowne.

In Division 1B, Luke O’Dea lined out for Shannon away to Ballymena, with the northern outfit winning out 43-15.