Craig Casey 'devastated' as Munster Rugby star to undergo operation on knee injury

MUNSTER Rugby's Craig Casey has expressed his disappointment after picking up a serious injury during the round two Investec Champions Cup game against Castres last Friday night.

The scrum-half took to Instagram to inform his followers that he is "devastated to have picked up an injury." Casey has been playing some of his best rugby to date in recent weeks in both the red of Munster and the green jersey of Ireland. 

Casey stated in the rest of his social media post: "Devastated to have picked up an injury that will rule me out for some time. Looking forward to seeing some special things happening in both red and green over the coming months. 

"Lucky to have the best support system I could ask for. Thanks to everyone for their messages and support. I've been here before and I'll do everything and more to be back better than before! Time to get the op done and get after this knee rehab."

There is more bad news on the injury front for Munster after their defeat in Castres with the province issuing a worrying squad update. 

Thaakir Abrahams suffered a shoulder dislocation and will undergo scans this week to determine the need for surgery.

Dian Bleuler was removed after failing his HIA and is following the return to play protocols. He is not available for selection this week.

Diarmuid Barron passed his HIA and will be monitored this week following a shoulder injury. His availability will be determined later in the week. Peter O’Mahony suffered a calf contusion and his availability will be assessed later this week.

Jean Kleyn is seeing a specialist after suffering a thigh injury last week. Liam Coombes underwent surgery last week after sustaining a chest muscle injury in AIL action earlier this month and Conor Murray (elbow) remains unavailable.