Quinlan’s quick return to Munster squad

LESS than 24 hours after returning from the Rugby World Cup, Alan Quinlan has been drafted into Munster’s 25-man squad for Friday’s Magners League tie with Cardiff Blues at Musgrave Park.

The Tipperary man was excluded from all four match-day 22-man squads in France, but is included here by coach Declan Kidney to bolster Munster’s forward unit and provide back-up to academy players, Mark Melbourne (second row) and Tommy O’Donnell (back row).

Frankie Sheahan is also included as back-up hooker to Denis Fogarty and another academy recruit Sean Cronin. Brian Carney, who like Quinlan watched all four of Ireland’s pool games from the stands, is not included, but a Munster spokesman said last night that the need at the moment is for forwards rather than backs.