Munster plan training camp in the Canaries
MEMBERS of the Munster rugby squad, minus their full internationals, are set to take part in a warm weather training camp in the Canary Islands next week.
The squad and management team will jet out to Lanzarote on Wednesday, February 10 to take part in a warm weather camp as part of their preparations for the crunch Magners League tie with Edinburgh at Musgrave Park on Friday, February 19 - Munster held a week-long warm weather training camp at the La Santa complex in Lanzarote at the same time last year.
Club La Santa is run as a modern hotel with all the necessary facilities of a combined sports, active holiday resort and conference facility.
While Munster's internationals are busy gearing up for Ireland's opening RBS Six Nations fixture of the season against Italy at Croke Park on Saturday, those not involved have been taking a short break from the game
Kiwis Doug Howlett and Jeremy Manning flew home to New Zealand to lend their support to Munster team mate Lifeimi Mafi who got married to on Saturday.
The Munster squad re-assembles this week. Preparations are re-commencing for the re-start of the pool games in the inaugural British and Irish Cup.
Munster A face Nottingham at the Waterford RSC on Friday week, February 12. As part of their build-up to that fixture Munster will take on the Connacht A side in an interprovincial championship game at Thomond Park this Thursday. Kick-off is at 6.30pm.
The good news for Munster coach Tony McGahan is that long-term injury victim Barry Murphy is targetting the Edinburgh Magners League game later this month for his return to competitive action. Murphy was injured against the Dragons in late September. The Limerickman also hopes to get some game time against Nottingham in the British and Irish Cup game.
Another long-term injury victim, Garryowen and Munster winger Ciaran O'Boyle, is hoping to be involved in Thursday's A game with Connacht at Thomond Park.
Meanwhile five Munster players played for the Ireland A side in their clash with the England Saxons at the Recreation Ground, Bath yesterday.
Prop marcus Horan played a full 80 minutes in his comeback to international action. Other Munster players involved in the 17-13 defeat to the Saxons were winger Ian Dowling, scrum-half Peter Stringer, prop Tony Buckley and second-row Mick O'Driscoll. Connacht's Limerick-born centre Keith Matthews also lined out for Michael Bradley's side.
The Irish team to face Italy in Saturday's RBS Six Nations clash at Croke Park will be named at lunchtime tomorrow.
Garryowen's bid to win a second AIB Cup title came unstuck at Dubarry Park on Saturday when the 'light blues' suffered a disappointing 15-11 defeat to Cork Constitution.
Garryowen's prospects appeared bright at half time when leading 11-5, while Con' had been reduced to 14 men following the sending off of lock Ian Nagle. However, resilient Con' upped their performance in the second half and a Daragh Lyons try helped them gain a deserved victory.
In the AIL Shannon moved top of Division 1A thanks to an impressive, bonus point away win over St Mary's College.
In Division 1B second-placed Young Munster remain strong favourites to secure a promotion spot after grinding out a one-point victory over Dungannon at Tom Clifford Park.
Old Crescent moved away from the foot of the Division 2 table with a convincing home win over struggling Greystones while Bruff maintained their promotion push with an excellent victory over Terenure College.
Thomond slipped to 11th place however after shipping a heavy defeat to runaway leaders Lansdowne.
On the schools' front five Limerick sides are involved in Avonmore Milk Munster Schools' Junior Cup quarter-final first round games this week.
On Wednesday Crescent College Comprehensive host PBC at Garryowen FC while Glenstal Abbey entertain CBC at Clanwilliam RFC.
There is an all-Limerick tie on Thursday when Ardscoil Ris and St Munchin's College meet at Coonagh. Castletroy College face Rockwell College, also on Thursday, at Annacotty. All games begin at 3pm.
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Weather for Limerick
Thursday 24 May 2012
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