Munster’s prospects of victory in Saturday’s Heineken Cup opener against Racing Metro in Paris took a nosedive yesterday when Keith Earls and Wian du Preez were ruled out of the tie.

Munster’s next generation may be targeting Heineken Cup medals long term, but got an early taste of success in Cork last night as the province’s A team lifted the British & Irish Cup for the first time.

MUNSTER has scored an important victory for the future by securing Ian Nagle’s signature for a further two years.