Sponsored by
'It is a massive bonus to us to have Rog back'
MUNSTER manager Shaun Payne believes the availability of experienced Irish out-half Ronan O'Gara for Saturday's crucial Magners League clash with the Dragons is a 'massive positive' for the province.
O'Gara and prop Tony Buckley, who were both introduced as second half replacements in Ireland's victory over England at Twickenham, are included in Munster's 25-strong squad for Saturday night's Magners League clash with the Dragons at Rodney Parade (6.30pm).
Munster currently occupy the fourth and final play-off spot in the table, but Edinburgh lie just one point behind in fifth.
Shaun Payne said: "It is a massive bonus to us to have Rog (Ronan O'Gara) back.
"He will be disappointed obviously not to have started the game against England.
"You can be guaranteed one thing, he will be rearing to go.
"It is a massive positive for us, especially when you consider the younger guys in the squad. There is no better role model or experienced guy to have in the squad that Rog.
"This weekend's game is very important. It is one of the few away games we have left. I think we have a good chance of making the top four, especially if we pick up this game."
Payne revealed that Munster would shortly be releasing a statement in relation to a number of players who are out of contract at the end of the season.
"We did release a statement about Doug (Howlett) because he had been fielding a lot of questions about his future and we decided to clear that situation up by issuing a press release saying he was remaining on with us," Shaun Payne said.
"The situation remains the same with regards everyone else.
"We are very close to having the situation sorted. When we have all that done we will be releasing a statement.
"We are looking for the best quality replacement we can get for Jean De Villiers. Obviously, there are not a whole lot of guys in a World Cup year who would come up for re-signing. Nothing has been decided yet.
"We are talking to all the best centres that we can."
Meanwhile the 2008 Avonmore Milk Munster Schools Senior Cup winners Castletroy College face Rockwell College in the opening semi-final of this season's competition at Clanwilliam RFC today - kick-off for the semi-final is at 3pm.
Munster squad: Marcus Horan, Julien Brugnaut, Tony Buckley, Stephen Archer, Damien Varley, Denis Fogarty, Mike Sherry, Mick O'Driscoll, Ian Nagle, Billy Holland, Alan Quinlan, Tommy O'Donnell, Nick Williams, James Coughlan, Duncan Williams, Peter Stringer, Paul Warwick, Ronan O'Gara, Scott Deasy, Jean de Villiers, Lifeimi Mafi, Ian Dowling, Doug Howlett, Ciaran O'Boyle, Denis Hurley.
Email to a friend
Print this page- First drift karting facility in Europe is ready to take off on outskirts of Limerick
- Newport gun victim is mourned at funeral in Limerick city
- Man appears in court following County Limerick drugs seizure
- Protest march in Parteen over preferred route of relief road
- Luxury eight-bed home in Adare now on sale for €1.9m
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Weather for Limerick
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 7 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 8 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South
