Boost for Munster Rugby ahead of crucial URC fixture in Italy

THE Munster Rugby squad have started preparations at the High Performance Centre at UL ahead of Saturday’s URC Round 13 clash against Benetton in Treviso, 2.30pm Irish time, live TG4, Premier Sport.

On the international front, Tadhg Beirne, Craig Casey, Gavin Coombes, Jack Crowley, Keith Earls, Dave Kilcoyne, Conor Murray and Peter O’Mahony have all joined the Ireland camp ahead of the 6 Nations.

Ben Healy has joined the Scotland squad for the first time with a three-day camp taking place in Edinburgh.

On the injury front, Munster full-back Mike Haley will go for a scan to assess the ankle injury he sustained in Toulouse on Sunday.

Munster report that there is good news for Fineen Wycherley (shoulder) as he returns to training this week and is available for selection.

Simon Zebo is unavailable this week due to illness.

James French is currently rehabilitating from a lower leg injury.

Continuing to rehab: Jeremy Loughman (thigh), Tom Ahern (shoulder), RG Snyman (knee), Paddy Kelly (head), Jack Daly (knee), Andrew Conway (knee), Keynan Knox (knee), Kiran McDonald (arm).

In club news, 13 Munster players were in AIL action at the weekend. Read a full round-up of the action here.

There were six Munster players playing in Young Munster’s derby win over Shannon.

Ethan Coughlan, Kieran Ryan and Darragh McSweeney lined out for Shannon, Patrick Campbell scored two tries for Young Munster with Conor Phillips scoring once as Dan Goggin also started for the Cookies.

Neil Cronin, Oli Morris, Tony Butler and Mark Donnelly were in action for Garryowen as they were beaten by Ballynahinch.

Liam O’Connor started for Cork Constitution as they won away to Clontarf.

In Division 1B, Scott Buckley was in action for UCC as they lost their derby to Highfield.

In Division 2A, Evan O’Connell was in action for UL Bohemians as they were beaten by Navan.