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No luck.
Munster’s problems at out-half have deepened further after academy prospect Tom Wood was ruled out until the new year.
Wood will undergo surgery on a shoulder injury this week, leaving Clayton McMillan desperately short of options at number 10 ahead of Saturday’s URC opener against Glasgow Warriors at Thomond Park.
Jack Crowley has already been ruled out until the new year with the lower-limb vascular injury that has kept him sidelined since April.
New signing Will Harrison is also unavailable after suffering a recurrence of a knee injury, while JJ Hanrahan is still completing the return-to-play protocols following a concussion.
Wood had been expected to receive increased opportunities during Crowley’s absence, but the highly-rated 20-year-old must now spend the opening months of the campaign on the sidelines.
“Undergoing surgery now is the best option for Tom in both the short and long term,” McMillan said.
“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.”
Munster’s shortage of available out-halves has prompted the province to bring Tony Butler back on a short-term contract as injury cover.
The 24-year-old departed during the summer following five years at Munster but returned to squad training last week and came off the bench during Friday’s final pre-season fixture against Leicester Tigers.
Butler could now be thrust straight into the matchday squad for the visit of defending URC champions Glasgow on Saturday.
Munster are dealing with several other injuries ahead of their first competitive game under McMillan.
Lee Barron has been ruled out with a short-term ankle injury, while Max Clein, Edwin Edogbo, Tom Farrell and Calvin Nash will also miss the opening round.
Ruadhán Quinn is increasing his training load and is expected to return shortly, while new hooker Marnus van der Merwe made a successful comeback against Leicester after recovering from the calf injury he sustained while playing for the Scarlets last season.
Munster host Glasgow Warriors at Thomond Park on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 5.30pm.
