Garces to officiate Munster’s trip to Sarries

Munster fans can heave a sigh of relief as the pernickety French referee from Saturday’s win over Saracens will not take charge of this weekend’s return game in Vicarage Road.

Pascal Gauzère was originally selected to replace the injured Romain Poite but his interpretation of the rules left many supporters in Thomond Park irate. However the ERC have moved him to the line and he will be replaced by fellow Frenchman, Jerome Garces.

Meanwhile, apart from the uncertainty surrounding Paul O’Connell’s immediate playing future, there was more positive news for Munster yesterday with confirmation that Rob Penney will have considerably more selection options for this weekend’s Heineken and B&I Cup commitments.

Simon Zebo hobbled off with an ankle injury late in Saturday’s victory but is believed to be fit for Sunday’s return game, as will Dave O’Callaghan who retired with a head injury.

Further positive news relates to Niall Ronan, Sean Dougall and Barry O’Mahony, a trio of back row players who have been nursing injuries.

Ronan is expected to be back in contention for a place in Sunday’s squad while the other two are likely to figure for Munster A in their return B&I clash with Rotherham Titans at Musgrave Park on Friday night.