Given the trials Tyler Bleyendaal has had to overcome during his 21 months as a Munster player it is almost a surprise not to see the New Zealander enveloped in bubble wrap as he walks into the room.

Munster head coach Anthony Foley is anxiously waiting on medical reports from Canterbury as to the seriousness of new signing Tyler Bleyendaal’s neck injury.

While some uncertainty remains about his future, Rob Penney is putting complete faith in his side.

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Connacht coach Pat Lam has provided each of his players with a rugby ball in an attempt to improve the overall skill levels within the squad.

From one All Blacks legend to another, fly-half Dan Carter yesterday paid a touching tribute to Munster captain and former team-mate Doug Howlett, who on Tuesday announced his retirement with immediate effect due to a shoulder injury.

Munster coach Rob Penney has warned against complacency ahead of the province’s Heineken Cup opener against Racing Metro at Stade de France on Saturday.

The only way is down for incoming Ulster head coach Mark Anscombe following the success enjoyed under predecessor Brian McLaughlin, says former Ulster and Ireland wing Tyrone Howe.

Returning Munster to the pinnacle of European rugby is the challenge new coach Rob Penney has set himself.

Munster intend to have Rob Penney’s management staff appointed by the time the new head coach arrives in Ireland this summer.

Coach Allen Clarke will have to plan without captain Peter O'Mahony, following a citing, when the Ireland U20s play New Zealand in their second Junior World Championship pool game in Nagoya on Tuesday evening (kick off: 11am Irish time).