Arrival of Bowman boost for Munster

WALLABY international Tom Bowman is set to sign for Munster today after undergoing a medical.

Bowman met with Munster chiefs earlier this week and has agreed terms with the province.

“It should be all done and dusted today,” coach Alan Gaffney admitted. “There are a couple of things to be sorted out and a medical is one. But there is no reason to believe he won’t be given a full bill of health.” The arrival of second-row Bowman is especially welcome given the long-term injury to David Pusey, who will be out until Christmas.

As Munster prepare for the opening game of the Celtic League against Neath/Swansea Ospreys at St Helens on Friday, Gaffney admits to being in much happier mood than this time last season. “Happily, we have just two injuries at the moment - to David and Mossie Lawlor. Mossie has a shoulder problem and will see a specialist on Tuesday. But we hope there will be no need for an operation and that he will recover in the short, rather than the long, term.”

Gaffney named his team yesterday, devoid of the current internationals who are involved in a 10-week build-up with the Irish squad.

Notably, Denis Leamy has overcome his injury problems and is selected after impressive displays against London Irish and Newcastle. New centre James Storey is also named by Gaffney.

“Denis has been tremendous for us and he is a great prospect, while James has settled in very well. I’m sure he will want to do well on Friday against his old club.

MUNSTER (v Neath/Swansea Ospreys): C. Cullen; S. Payne, M. Mullins, J. Storey, A. Horgan; P. Burke, M. Prendergast; F. Roche, J. Flannery, G. McIlwham; S. O’Connor, T. Hogan; S. Keogh, J. Williams (captain), D. Leamy.

Replacements. M. Storey, J. Kelly, J. Holland, E. Reddan, J. O’Connor, D. Ryan, J. Blaney.