Hand injury likely to rule Laulala out of Toulon clash

Munster’s Casey Laulala is likely to miss the province’s Heineken Cup semi-final clash with Toulon in Marseille on April 27 following confirmation that he broke a bone in his right hand during Saturday’s victory over Toulouse.

The expected recovery time for a broken hand is between four to six weeks. However, Munster have not given up hope and are sending the New Zealander to see a specialist and will have further updates today.

Peter O’Mahony had a scan on a shoulder injury yesterday after he was forced out of the quarter-final win at Thomond Park in the first half after over-extending his left shoulder after stealing lineout ball. The province are remaining silent on the extent of the injury until he meets his specialist to discuss it further later today.

Academy prop Rory Burke, who sustained a neck injury in the B&I Cup game last Friday, received the all-clear following an X-ray and scan.

Meanwhile, French Pro D2 club Pau announced they will appoint Munster backs coach Simon Mannix to the position of sporting manager in the summer. Munster announced in February that Mannix and head coach Rob Penney would be moving on at the end of the current season.