Dowling set for wing role after taking full part in “robust session’

IAN DOWLING is expected to take up his normal position on Munster “s left wing in tomorrow’s Heineken Cup semi-final against Leinster at Croke Park.

Despite shipping a slight knock to his leg at training on Tuesday, the Kilkenny man took a full part in “a robust session” in Musgrave Park yesterday, according to the club’s official website.

Dowling could rekindle his 2006 Heineken Cup semi-final head-to-head with Ireland international, Shane Horgan, with Leinster coach Michael Cheika set to promote the Meath man from the bench.

Head coach, Tony McGahan, will today name Peter Stringer at scrum half and bring Mike Prendergast into his 22-man squad.

Meanwhile prop Timmy Ryan hasn’t ruled out the possibility of returning to play with Munster after agreeing terms with big-spending French club Toulon .

Munster Rugby have officially confirmed a report, which appeared in Tuesday’s Irish Examiner, that Ryan has agreed terms to join up with new Toulon Director of rugby, Philippe Saint-Andre, at the French coastal club.

Ryan was earmarked to replace Federico Pucciariello on the Munster squad, but turned down a lucrative full-time contract, stating his desire to experience a different rugby culture as a reason for leaving.

“While I believe it will benefit my game in the short-term to experience a foreign rugby culture,” said Ryan, “I would hopefully see myself returning to Munster at some stage in the future and continuing my career in what is a superb set-up.”

With Ryan set to depart, Munster’s John Hayes and Tony Buckley will be the only recognisable tightheads left in the squad ahead of next season.

The Reds may be tempted to beef up their squad this summer by signing another No 3 or by promoting UCC’s impressive young prop, Stephen Archer, 20, from their Academy.

Mick O’Driscoll, meanwhile, has turned down a chance to return to play professionally in France after accepting a new two-year deal with his native province.

The giant second row spent two seasons (2003-2005) with Top 14 giants, Perpignan, before returning to help Munster claim their first Heineken Cup in May 2006.

The Cork man’s tenure with the Catalan club proved a huge success, and he expressed delight at the deal which keeps him in Munster to the end of the 2010-11 season.

O’Driscoll, 30, played an inspirational role when captaining Munster against the All Blacks last November and, in all, has led his province seven times in 17 competitive appearances this season.

“I’m delighted my immediate future in future in rugby has been resolved,” O’Driscoll. I would like to thank Garrett Fitzgerald (Munster CEO) and all involved for their help in bringing the issue to a satisfactory conclusion.”