Anna 
Munster is set to be strengthened by the return of several key internationals ahead of their United Rugby Championship (URC) game against Connacht, with scrum-half Craig Casey leading the charge.
Casey, 25, is back after recovering from a knee injury sustained in Munster’s Champions Cup defeat to Castres in December. His injury kept him out of Ireland’s Six Nations campaign, but he is now ready to make his comeback.
Alongside Casey, seven other Ireland internationals have returned to training this week, including Tadhg Beirne, Jack Crowley, Conor Murray, Calvin Nash, and Peter O’Mahony. Additionally, Oli Jager and Jack O’Donoghue are also fit again after overcoming injuries.
World Cup-winning Springbok Jean Kleyn is also available for selection for the first time since late October, having recovered from a thigh injury.
Munster head coach Ian Costello will announce his matchday squad on Friday at 12:00 pm.
Injury Concerns for Munster Ahead of Connacht Game
While Munster has received a boost with the return of key players, there are still concerns over injuries to two important figures. Hooker Niall Scannell and fly-half Billy Burns are major doubts for the Connacht game, with both needing their shoulder injuries assessed later this week.
Several other players remain in rehabilitation, including Shane Daly, Diarmuid Kilgallen, Mike Haley, Dave Kilcoyne, Liam Coombes, Edwin Edogbo, and Roman Salanoa.
Munster currently sits in sixth place in the URC standings, and a win could push them up to fifth, depending on results elsewhere. However, they come into this match after two consecutive losses—edged 28-25 by Glasgow Warriors and falling 34-28 to Edinburgh at Thomond Park.
Connacht, sitting six places below Munster in the standings, will also be looking to move up. Despite the gap in position, they are only three points behind Munster and could overtake them with a victory this weekend.
Related topics: