Horgan and Henderson ruled out of Dragons clash
In last Friday's game against Ulster, Henderson injured a foot while Horgan injured his ribs. And even though Donncha O'Callaghan was called up to the national training squad for this week's get together, Munster coach Alan Gaffney wasn't entirely certain what the situation was regarding O'Callaghan's availability.
“I have to assume Donncha will not be involved with us on Friday although I have had no word from the national management, nor do I know what the position is regarding others who have been called into the national squad for this week.
“I expect I might hear something tomorrow and when I do I'll finalise our side.”
In the meantime, former Wallaby prop Rod Moore has signed a further two-year contract with Ulster.
Moore arrived in the province last September on a short-term contract as front-row cover during the World Cup period.
However, he signed an extension to the end of the season, and following news that Robbie Kempson is to join coach Alan Solomons at Northampton, Ulster have been quick to convince Moore to stay.
The 33-year-old tight-head who won 14 caps for Australia, has played 21 times for the province since his arrival. He previously played for the ACT Brumbies and NSW Warratahs in the Super 12.
Moore, however, is likely to be on the bench when Ulster take on the Warriors at Brewery Field in a Celtic League tie on Friday night.
Solomons has named a squad of 22 players and will not select his side until he discovers the needs of Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan.
However, it's likely that Simon Best, Gary Longwell, David Humphreys and scrum-half Neil Doak will be in the starting line-up.
Roger Wilson is also back to fitness after missing the victory over Munster last week.
In the meantime, the Connacht team to play Leinster at the Sportsground on Saturday (2.30pm) has four changes from that which played The Borders at the weekend.
Irish squad members, centre Darren Yapp and hooker Bernard Jackman return to the side, while former Irish international Matt Mostyn comes back from injury.
Conor O’Loughlin, Irish U-21 scrum-half last year, also returns to the side.
Connacht have initially named nine players on the bench pending injury reports on a couple of players.
There promises to be a large crowd at the Sportsground on Saturday, with all children admitted free of charge for the game.
In the Six Nations, France coach Bernard Laporte has announced his 22-man squad ahead of their final two RBS 6 Nations clashes with Scotland and England with scrum-half Dimitri Yachvili replacing the injured Jean-Baptiste Elissalde.
Laporte has also recalled Pepito Elhorga, who missed out on the win over Wales with a right leg injury, as well as Clement Poitrenaud, who features for the first time this year and fly-half Julien Peyrelongue, who replaced Frederic Michalak against Italy.
The 26-year-old Elissalde has been an inspirational scrum-half for Les Bleus in their wins over Ireland, Italy and Wales, but a serious injury to his left thigh on Sunday has ended his season.
“This is very hard for Elissalde and for us,” said Laporte.
“He has performed extremely well in his first three matches. We hope he will be back on track soon.”
Yachvili appeared to be the logical replacement for him after his performances at the World Cup in Australia last year.
“Dimitri was at the World Cup with us, he replaced Fabien Galthie, and we know he will be eager to show his potential,” added Laporte.
France are firm favourites for the Grand Slam after their three wins, while England, the world and Six Nations defending champions, lost to Ireland at Twickenham at the weekend.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
