Foley boost as Ireland stars ready for cup duty
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.
Head coach Foley was waiting on medical reports on centre Smith and back row Copeland, who both received knocks to their knees during last Friday night’s Pro12 win over Ulster. They each underwent scans last night while the other injury concern from that 21-20 win is debutant Pat Howard, who has stitches in a cut above his eye and suffered a concussion in the first half, requiring him to pass the return-to-play protocols.
The other fallout from the weekend came yesterday as Munster’s most-capped player, Donncha O’Callaghan, received the first citing of his career.
The lock was cited for allegedly kicking an Ulster opponent in the head and will face an independent disciplinary committee later this week, with details to be confirmed.
There was better news for tight-head prop Stephen Archer, who is believed to have committed to Munster for the next three years, after agreeing terms on a new contract. The 26-year-old made his European debut against Castres in January 2012 and alternates the No.3 jersey with BJ Botha. Archer has been capped twice by Ireland. He made the first of 80 Munster appearances against Edinburgh at Murrayfield in October 2009.
