Munster hit with further out-half injury woes as new season approaches
Munster's Tom Wood will be out of action until the New Year
MUNSTER RUGBY have confirmed that out-half Tom Wood will be sidelined until 2027 with the talented youngster set to undergo shoulder surgery this week.
Wood joins fellow out-half Jack Crowley on the sidelines, with the Corkman also expected to be out until early 2027.
Head Coach Clayton McMillan said: “Undergoing surgery now is the best option for Tom in both the short- and long-term.
“He is a very promising young player with a bright future. While it’s disappointing for him to miss the coming months, I know he will use the time wisely and come back in even better condition to make a big contribution to Munster this season and in the years ahead.”
New signing Marnus van der Merwe made a successful return to action at Virgin Media Park in Munster’s final pre-season tie against Leicester Tigers after rehabilitating the calf injury he sustained with Scarlets last season.
JJ Hanrahan is completing the return-to-play protocols.
Ruadhán Quinn is increasing his training load and is expected to return shortly.
Lee Barron is unavailable with a short-term ankle injury while Max Clein, Edwin Edogbo, Tom Farrell and Calvin Nash will also miss this weekend’s clash.
In player news, out-half Tony Butler has rejoined the province as injury cover on a short-term contract.
Butler, who departed in the summer after five years at Munster, joined squad training last week and featured as a replacement in Friday's pre-season clash against Leicester.