Munster Rugby's injury boost ahead of crunch Connacht clash in URC

THE Munster squad are continuing preparations at the High Performance Centre at UL ahead of Saturday night’s URC interprovincial derby against Connacht at Thomond Park, 7.35pm.

On the injury front, Munster report that out-half Joey Carbery will complete his return to play protocols with a view to returning to full team training this week.

Centre Antoine Frisch is expected to return to full training this week having undergone a scan on a thigh issue last week.

In further good news for the province ahead of the visit of Connacht to Limerick, Keith Earls (thigh), Jean Kleyn (ribs) and Liam Coombes (hamstring) all return to full team training this week.

Dave Kilcoyne (shoulder) will progress with his rehab and his availability will be determined later in the week.

Fellow prop Keynan Knox has a short-term knee injury.

There were seven Munster players in action last weekend for Ireland, Tonga and the Barbarians.

Tadhg Beirne, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley and Peter O’Mahony helped Ireland to a win over Australia as Crowley made his first international start, kicking a penalty and a conversion.

Malakai Fekitoa helped Tonga to a victory over Uruguay.

John Ryan and Kiran McDonald lined out for the Barbarians in their win over Bath at the Rec.

Jeremy Loughman and Calvin Nash were also in Ireland camp and Munster’s full international contingent return to the HPC this week.

Tadhg Beirne was named in the World Rugby Men’s 15s Team of the Year at their awards ceremony in Monaco on Sunday night.

Unavailable: Conor Murray (groin), Stephen Archer (ankle), Tom Ahern (shoulder), RG Snyman (knee), Fineen Wycherley (shoulder), Paddy Kelly (head), Jack Daly (knee), Jack O’Sullivan (knee), Andrew Conway (knee).