Toulouse prop Johnston ruled out of Munster clash

Toulouse prop Census Johnston has been ruled out of Saturday’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Munster.

The Samoan prop injured his neck and was taken off on a stretcher against Toulon last Saturday.

The club had been hoping he would be fit for the game in Thomond Park, but coach Guy Noves confirmed yesterday that Johnston will not be travelling with the Toulouse team to Limerick today.

“We ruled out Census Johnston completely,” Noves said.

Toulouse will be bringing other injured players Louis Picamoles, Luke McAlister and Yannick Nyanga on the plane but their participation in the encounter “will be decided at the last moment”.

Meanwhile, Russell Crowe may have been busy giving one Irish journalist a lesson on the difference between rugby league and union this week but there’s no denying where his allegiances lie in the 15-man club game.

While clarifying his mistaken referral to Ireland as part of the UK, one Irish fan tweeted: “@russellcrowe, good man Russell, come back to Dublin and we’ll bring you to a real rugby game #LeinsterRugby”

To which the actor replied: “Munster forever !!!”

@IrishFireDragon Munster forever !!!

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) April 1, 2014

Crowe’s affection for Munster rugby emanated from his friendship with Limerick actor Richard Harris forged over the making of the film Gladiator.