Munster handed double Ireland boost but also rocked by more key injuries
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Update.
Munster have been handed a double boost ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Bulls, with Ireland internationals Craig Casey and Jeremy Loughman available for selection.
Clayton McMillan’s side are preparing for their second game of the new URC season after opening their campaign with a 26-20 defeat to Glasgow Warriors at Thomond Park.
The province will return to the same venue this weekend looking for their first win, and McMillan could now call upon two more experienced internationals.
Casey and Loughman have both been made available for selection as Munster gradually reintegrate their Ireland contingent following the summer international window.
There was further positive news from the province on Monday, with Tom Ahern, Jack Aungier, Shane Daly and Ruadhán Quinn all set to return to training this week.
Their availability will be assessed ahead of Saturday night’s meeting with the Bulls.
Munster have, however, been hit by several fresh injury concerns following their opening-round defeat.
Full-back Mike Haley sustained a knee injury against Glasgow and has been ruled out of this weekend’s game. Diarmuid Barron, Jack O’Donoghue and Alex Nankivell will also be unavailable as all three follow return-to-play protocols.
It leaves McMillan with some decisions to make as he prepares his side for a Bulls team that made an impressive start to the campaign.
The South African side opened their season with a 47-13 bonus-point victory over Zebre in Parma, scoring seven tries in a dominant performance.
They have suffered an injury setback of their own ahead of the trip to Limerick, with tighthead Mornay Smith returning to South Africa after suffering an ankle injury in Italy.
Munster will be hoping the return of Casey and Loughman, along with potentially several others returning to training this week, can provide a timely lift as they look to avoid beginning the new campaign with back-to-back defeats.
Munster host the Bulls at Thomond Park on Saturday, with kick-off at 7.45pm.
