Jones set to return with Shannon

Munster and Ireland full-back Felix Jones makes his return to the competitive arena for the first time in almost six months when he turns out for Shannon against Young Munster in tonight’s (7.30pm) Ulster Bank League tie at Thomond Park.

Jones, 24, tore ligaments in his ankle when making his first start for Ireland in the World Cup warm-up game at the Aviva Stadium last August. It was the third serious injury of his career but he is now all set to play a major role as Munster look ahead to crucial matches in both the RaboDirect Pro 12 and Heineken Cup.

Nevertheless, Munster are not taking any chances with Jones’s welfare as assistant coach Antony Foley stressed: “With anyone coming back from long term injury, they don’t go the full 80 minutes so the plan is for Felix to play 40 or 50 minutes of the AIL game.”