Munster Rugby Hit With Huge Injury Crisis

Munster struggled last season with injuries and it looks like that trend is set to continue this year.

Tyler Bleyendaal is a doubt for the opening game as is Johnny Holland, while academy prospect Bill Johnston has been ruled out for two months, leaving the southern province with just Ian Keatley as the only outhalf currently available. Munster take on Zebre in their first warm-up game in two weeks and new Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus has said that if they aren’t recovered in time, then signings may have to be made.

Captain Peter O’Mahony is still not right following his devastating ACL injury at last year’s Rugby World Cup, while marquee signing, Francis Saili is still recovering from shoulder surgery and is a serious doubt.

Another huge worry is the fact that Mark Chisholm has still not been cleared after seven months out as a result of a concussion. Even with new signing Jean Kleyn, Munster would be short in the second-row department, should he not be cleared. New signing, Sam Arnold is also expected to miss the opening period of the season.

Munster’s financial troubles have been made very public, and it remains to be seen if they have the funds to bring in quality replacements should they need to.