Munster Rugby issue squad injury update ahead of glamour Argentina XV fixture at Thomond Park

THE Munster Rugby squad has started preparations at their High Performance Centre at UL ahead of Saturday’s historic clash against Argentina XV at Thomond Park, 5pm kick-off.

It will be the first time that Munster have faced an Argentina representative side in the professional era and only the second time that Munster have ever played Argentina. The previous game was in 1973 at Thomond Park and ended in a 12-all draw.

On the injury front following Saturday’s hard fought URC dery win over Connacht, Munster's Diarmuid Kilgallen made a successful return to action from an ankle injury. Thaakir Abrahams and Niall Scannell both failed HIAs and will enter the return-to-play protocols.

READ NEXT: Clayton McMillan: "Limerick scrum-half Jake O'Riordan has big future ahead of him" after impressive Munster Rugby debut

Munster confirmed that Alex Nankivell passed his HIA and is cleared to return to training. John Hodnett will go for a scan on a foot injury.

Ahead of the game, Munster Head Coach Clayton McMillan said: “A lot of players can play a lifetime of rugby and never get the chance to play an international team. It’s going to be a really special moment for everybody involved next week. I hope that we’ve done enough over the last five weeks for people in Munster to get excited about this team and to come along in numbers and really enjoy that occasion.

“We want to really celebrate the week and take a little bit of weight off the shoulders of being in the grind of needing to accumulate points next week. It’s just an opportunity to add to the fantastic legacy that Munster has and really just enjoy it.”

There were 10 Munster players in AIL action for their clubs at the weekend. So far this season, there have been 71 club appearances for senior and Academy players.

Dylan Hicks, Mark Donnelly and Danny Sheahan lined out for Cork Constitution in their 25-12 loss to Ballynahinch at Temple Hill.

Roman Salanoa made his first start for Nenagh Ormond on his second appearance for the club in their 40-12 defeat away to Old Belvedere.

Tom Wood scored a try, a penalty and a conversion in Garryowen’s 18-15 loss away to Blackrock College with George Hadden also in action.

Ben O’Connor and Gene O’Leary Kareem started for UCC in their 24-7 home reversal against Dublin University.

Emmet Calvey and Oisín Minogue started for Shannon in their 22-14 defeat away to Dungannon.