Byrne a doubt for Ospreys trip to Munster

OSPREYS star Lee Byrne is rated doubtful for the Welsh region’s Heineken Cup quarter-final clash with Munster in Thomond Park on April 12.

The Welsh fullback limped out of last weekend’s RBS Six Nations Championship decider against Ireland with a foot injury and his absence for the Ospreys would constitute a massive blow to the region’s hopes of reaching a first-ever Heineken Cup semi-final.

According to reports in Wales, the full-back will definitely miss Saturday’s EDF Energy Cup semi-final against Gloucester at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena, and questions marks remain over his involvement against Munster 15 days later.

Pressure is piling on the self-styled super region to deliver in both the EDF and Heineken Cup competitions with their managing director, Mike Ruddy, telling his cast of international stars to stand up and be counted, with success at Thomond next month a must.

“Everybody here is desperate to bring further success to the region, and to reward those fans for their backing,’’ said Ruddy. “The rewards over the next few weeks are huge – a return to Twickenham, a first ever ERC semi-final and continued Magners League success. Over the next three matches we will be going to the Lions den and our players will face a ferocious challenge head-on.

“As we continue to grow as an organisation year-on-year, on and off the field, it is inevitable that expectations will also grow. If we are to match those expectations, then we need to stand up and be counted over the next month.”

Meanwhile, Ireland wing Tommy Bowe reunited with his Ospreys’ Wales contingent yesterday and began preparations for Saturday’s EDF showdown against the ‘Cherry and Whites’.