BOD’s absence sure to hit Thomond turnstiles

Munster’s hopes of a last-minute rush for tickets to tonight’s RaboDirect Pro12 clash with Leinster may have been dented by Ireland hero Brian O’Driscoll’s absence from the interprovincial derby.

In the last season of an illustrious career before retiring next summer, Leinster centre O’Driscoll, 34, was due to make possibly his final appearance at Thomond Park this evening (6:45pm) only to suffer a calf strain in training this week.

Leinster officials described the injury as “minor” but there are concerns for head coach Matt O’Connor that the former Ireland and Lions captain may miss next weekend’s Heineken Cup pool opening against the Ospreys and O’Driscoll will be assessed by the province’s medical team in the coming days regarding his availability.