Foley boost as Ireland stars ready for cup duty

Munster are awaiting results of scans on Andrew Smith and Robin Copeland’s knees ahead of Saturday’s must-win European Champions Cup pool clash with Clermont Auvergne but head coach Anthony Foley today welcomes back to training a quintet of Ireland Test stars, as well as James Cronin.

That means Conor Murray has successfully come through his return-to-play protocols, having suffered a delayed concussion following Ireland’s win over Australia 10 days ago.

Murray, Ireland captain Paul O’Connell, fellow lock Dave Foley, Munster skipper Peter O’Mahony and wing Simon Zebo all returned to training yesterday, as did loose-head prop James Cronin as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury that forced him out of the national team’s Guinness Series last month.