Kidney finalises new-look Munster squad for US pre-season tour

MUNSTER coach Declan Kidney has finalised his squad for their pre-season tour to the United States.

The 26-strong playing party includes Ciaran O’Boyle, Gerry Hurley and Mark Melbourne alongside Darragh Hurley, Donnacha Ryan and Denis Hurley.

Newcomers Niall Ronan, Kieran Lewis, Paul Warwick and Rua Tipoki are also in the side which departs from Shannon on Wednesday.

Munster play the US Eagles in Toyota Park, Chicago on August 27 in the first of their three-match programme. The game is the final outing for the Americans before next month’s World Cup in France.

Declan Kidney said: “Everyone’s aware of the importance of pre-season work and the matches serve as a significant part of that preparation.

“It is a privilege to be able to include an international side in our pre-season schedule and even more so when we are playing them in their own back yard just before they head off for the World Cup.

“It’s a marvellous opportunity for us, and particularly for the younger members of the squad, to get this type of exposure against an international outfit.”

Meanwhile, Munster have agreed to the early release of Chris Wyatt from his contract to allow him extend his career abroad.

Wyatt was due to end his association with Munster in December but sought an early release in order to join the French club Bourgoin who are in Ulster’s group in the Heineken Cup.

Kidney said: “Obviously with five back-five players away with the Rugby World Cup squad things could be tight but we believe we have the resources to allow us release Chris with immediate affect and we wish him well in the future.

Wyatt said: “I am grateful to Munster for their consideration. Me and my family have enjoyed our time here in Munster where we have always been treated in a fair and friendly manner and made very welcome by the staff and fans alike.”

MUNSTER SQUAD: F Pucciariello, T Buckley, Darragh Hurley, A Foley, J O’Sullivan, Donnacha Ryan, M O’Driscoll, E McGovern, D Fogarty, N Ronan, J Coughlan, M Melbourne, A Horgan, J Kelly, T O’Leary, C O’Boyle, D Hurley, J Manning, M Lawler, I Dowling, B Murphy, K Lewis, L Mafi, P Warwick, R Tipoki, G Hurley.