Hayes included in Reds’ Heineken Cup squad

MUNSTER’S ongoing front-row injury problems have ensured John Hayes’ glittering career with the province will be further extended, after he was named in their Heineken Cup squad for the 2011/’12 season last night.

As revealed by the Irish Examiner last month, Hayes — who turns 38 next month and has won 105 Irish caps — had intended hanging up his boots at the end of last season, but subsequently made himself available at the behest of the IRFU, in case of injuries to any of Ireland’s World Cup front-rowers in New Zealand.

But it was a shortage of fit props in the Munster set-up that saw him return to coach Tony McGahan’s plans, and with Darragh Hurley and Peter Borlase still not back to full fitness, Hayes was yesterday named among the 38-strong panel.

A Munster spokesman last night confirmed the Bruff man’s short-term contract has been extended, while a statement from the province read: “Darragh Hurley and Peter Borlase — both of whom are expected to resume full training in the coming weeks — could come into the squad after rounds 1 and 2 under ERC regulations.”

Hooker Jerry Flannery, along with long-term absentees David Wallace and Felix Jones, is not included. While Wallace and Jones will not take part in the pool stages, Flannery may be called up a later juncture.

Although he now has a World Cup campaign with Ireland under his belt, scrum-half Conor Murray will lead a group who will see Heineken Cup action in Munster colours for the first time. He is joined by fellow newcomers Simon Zebo (wing), hooker Sean Henry and 21-year-old Munster Academy player wing-forward Dave O’Callaghan. The squad also includes new signings Ian Keatley, BJ Botha, Will Chambers and Development prop John Ryan.