Munster favourite Zebo targets new year return against Ulster

Simon Zebo is set to return to action in less than three weeks, with Munster boss Rob Penney targeting the province’s trip to Ulster on January 3 as the Ireland wing’s comeback date.

The British & Irish Lions tourist has been sidelined since October 12, when he cracked a bone in his left foot during Munster’s Heineken Cup opener at Edinburgh.

Following Munster’s dramatic European win in Perpignan last Saturday, the province have three RaboDirect Pro12 games over the Christmas holiday period, starting with a Musgrave Park date against Scarlets on Saturday evening, followed by a derby encounter with Connacht at Thomond Park on December 27.