Fears that Munster fly-half Johnny Holland’s career was in jeopardy were confirmed yesterday when the province announced the 25-year-old had been forced to retire with immediate effect.

Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus still has more questions than answers surrounding the make-up and fitness of his squad as he attempts to prepare his players for Saturday’s Guinness Pro12 opener at Scarlets.

Ronan O’Mahony is delighted to report there is life after injury for Tyler Bleyendaal.

Reports Springbok centre Jaco Taute is on the brink of joining Munster on a short-term contract appear premature with the province waiting for Stormers to give the the go-ahead.

Former Leinster centre Collie O’Shea will partner Cian Bohane in Munster’s midfield tomorrow night as Rassie Erasmus begins his search for willing alternatives to the injured Francis Saili.

Rassie Erasmus has given Munster’s young midfield hopefuls two pre-season games to stake their claim to a starting place for the new campaign before looking to bring in a more experienced replacement for long-term injury victim Francis Saili.

Munster's plans for a strong start to the Rassie Erasmus era have been dealt a blow.

New Munster boss Rassie Erasmus has found himself in the midst of an injury crisis at fly-half, with only Ian Keatley apparently ready to start the season.

Munster supporters who were enthused by the displays of out-half Johnny Holland in the latter stages of the season will also have been impressed by the performance of Bill Johnston on his debut for the Irish U20s on Tuesday night.

Johnny Holland’s fine form for Munster has not gone unnoticed by Ireland coach Joe Schmidt who wants to see the out-half put himself into international contention next season.

Somebody told me once never to pass remarks on an alligator’s teeth until you’ve crossed the river bank. 

Munster 31 Scarlets 15: Given the trials and tribulations of Munster’s season, there was more than a tinge of irony this five-try victory on the last day of an utterly frustrating campaign had no bearing on the Guinness Pro12 standings.

Munster secured their place in next season's Champions Cup after a hard-fought 31-15 victory over the Scarlets at Thomond Park earned them a sixth-place finish in the Guinness Pro12.

Munster’s battling bonus-point victory over Edinburgh can lay the foundations for a repeat success in Saturday’s must-win Guinness Pro12 finale at home to Scarlets, Anthony Foley believes.

If a novelist came up with it, you’d say the scene was overcooked.

Munster 27 Edinburgh 19: Munster left it late to land the killer blow but there will be few quibbles from the province’s supporters after this bonus-point Guinness Pro12 victory over European qualification rivals Edinburgh.

The Galway Sportsground has played host to many magnificent occasions over the past eight months but they will struggle to match the atmosphere that will be generated for tonight’s Guinness PRO12 clash of Connacht and Munster.

Leinster 16 Munster 13: With the clock on 79 minutes and 49 seconds a snap poll of not just Leinster’s supporters but the province’s players and coaches as well would have seen the vast majority settle for a draw in this typically tight Guinness Pro12 battle with rivals Munster.

Good morning. Here’s everything you need to know before you start your day.

It’s late December. Festive season, though it feels like anything but for Munster.

Munster 47 Zebre 0: From as early as the 12th minute when Leinster referee Dudley Phillips harshly awarded a penalty try against the hapless Italian side Zebre at Thomond Park last night, a bonus point, runaway win for Munster was a cast iron certainty. 

Munster 26 Newport Gwent Dragons 5: Two salient points emerged from Saturday night’s Guinness Pro 12 game at Thomond Park.

Yorkshire Carnegie 43 Munster A 29: Munster A’s valiant second-half fightback was all in vain as relieved Yorkshire Carnegie eventually claimed victory to all but seal Pool Three’s top spot in the British & Irish Cup.

Dependent on team selection higher up, Munster A coach Mick O’Driscoll has rung the changes for tomorrow’s British & Irish Cup game with Yorkshire Carnegie in Lockwood Park, Huddersfield.

Cork Constitution 32 Old Belvedere 0: Johnny Holland put a year of pain and uncertainty behind him when helping Constitution to a comprehensive Ulster Bank League victory over Old Belvedere at Temple Hill on Saturday.