Foley faces nervous wait as Smith a doubt for Clermont clash

Munster head coach Anthony Foley yesterday added new centre signing Pat Howard to the province’s registered European Champions Cup squad as doubts continued over Andrew Smith’s fitness ahead of Saturday’s must-win pool showdown with Clermont Auvergne.

South African Howard, signed from Western Province last month on a short-term deal as injury cover for long-term absentees Keith Earls, Cian Bohane and the still-to-arrive Tyler Bleyendaal, returned to limited training yesterday having suffered a concussion in a collision with team-mate JJ Hanrahan in the first half of his home debut against Ulster on Friday night.

The 22-year-old will continue his return to play protocols as Foley waits on Smith, signed in the summer from the Brumbies. He was also hurt in the Pro12 win over Ulster, and although he finished the game, his injured knee underwent a scan on Monday. Foley will make a decision on his and Robin Copeland’s availability tomorrow, the back rower having suffered a small tear on the lower part of his hamstring during a tackle by Craig Gilroy.