Munster recruit Aussie fitness guru

Munster have unearthed a new head of fitness - in Perpignan.

Australian Adam Trypas will join the province as a replacement for compatriot Bryce Kavanagh, who returned home in October to sign up with former Munster boss Tony McGahan’s Melbourne Rebels.

Trypas is currently Physical Performance Manager with Super League outfit Catalan Dragons in France, having previously worked with other league sides including the Newcastle Knights in Australia and Wakefield Trinity in England, as well as Japanese rugby union team Toyota.

Subject to being granted a work permit, the Australian will link up with Munster in January.

As Trypas prepares to depart his Perpignan base, Munster will today learn who is available to face the French Top 14 side in the Heineken Cup clash at Thomond Park on Sunday.

No.8 James Coughlan got a finger in his left eye against Newport Gwent Dragons last Friday and was due to see a specialist yesterday as a precautionary measure while hooker Mike Sherry was scheduled for a scan yesterday on the left knee he injured in the same game.

New signing Gerhard van den Heever was ineligible for Sunday’s Pool 6 clash but the South African wing faces some time on the sidelines having broken a bone in his right hand on his debut against the Dragons. The former Western province back is due to see a specialist later this week to determine the length of his recovery.