Williams lay-off adds to Reds’ injury worries

MUNSTER’S back-row problems have worsened with the news that New Zealander Nick Williams, pictured, may be out of action for up to six weeks because of amedial knee ligament injury sustained in training last week.

Williams had been regarded as a potential replacement at number eight for Denis Leamy, ruled out for the remainder of the season by a knee injury. The Kiwi has been dogged by injury since his arrival at the beginning of last season with the result that he has struggled to reach the necessary fitness levels needed to make the anticipated impression. There was a further back-row scare on Saturday when Niall Ronan was forced off in the first half of the game against Ulster at Ravenhill. However, coach Tony McGahan reported that the flanker had suffered a dead leg after taking a knock to the thigh and he could be available for next Sunday’s clash with the Scarlets.

McGahan must also figure out how best to slot Marcus Horan into his plans now that the loose head prop is back to full fitness. He was to have figured in Shannon’s Munster Cup match against UCC but it was postponed because of a frozen pitch. Hooker Jerry Flannery is on course for selection in the team to face Treviso in the Heineken Cup on Saturday week.