Anthony Foley hints at more transfer business for Munster

Munster coach Anthony Foley has indicated that he still has some transfer business to conduct after their recent recruitment of All Black Francis Saili.

The two-times capped New Zealander will join Munster after this year’s World Cup or a few weeks earlier should he miss out on Steve Hansen’s squad selection, but Foley isn’t resting on his laurels revealing that Munster are still on the look out for ‘quality players’.

“Yeah he’s a very exciting player,” Foley said of Saili. “He’s got a lot of skills that will excite people. He’s got the attributes that will help him excel up here in the northern hemisphere. It’s been a long process and we’re delighted to have him on board.”

Foley explained how the process worked in securing the services of the highly rated young star.

“A lot of it was done over Skype and stuff like that, it wasn’t practical to go to the other side of the world and meet the lad.

“We’ve obviously a lot of contacts down there and we had a good chat with them and we’re delighted to get the deal through.

“There’s always bits and pieces to tidy up around there and see where fellas are at and we’re always looking for quality players,” Foley said.

The former Munster skipper confirmed that his hand has been strengthened ahead of Saturday’s Pro12 tussle away to Edinburgh, with injuries clearing up and internationals returning to the squad.

Paul O’Connell, Conor Murray and Peter O’Mahony are expected to line out for the first time since their successful Six Nations campaign, while fellow internationals Dave Kilcoyne, Tommy O’Donnell and Ian Keatley are expected to feature.

Donnacha Ryan (concussion) and James Cronin (knee) both played a full part in training at Cork IT yesterday, while Mike Sherry (shoulder and knee) and Tyler Bleyendall (neck) are close to returns according to Foley.

“Mike was at training today, he’s stepped up his level of contact in terms of what he can and can’t do and we’re still hopeful we can get him back and he’s progressing nicely over the last month or so.

“I think he’s had a rough time in terms of setbacks in his return to play and it’s important for us now – he’s gone beyond where he’s gone before – so it’s important that we keep progressing his recovery.

“Tyler has stepped up his levels as well and hopefully we’ll see him before the end of the year.

We’re starting to get a lot of our bodies back on their feet so it’s always competitive when that happens so there’s a good session there today so hopefully we get as many bodies into the squad as possible.”

Foley poured cold water on concerns over Keith Earls’ fitness after the Munster centre sat out the latter portion of training.

Earls had his knee strapped and iced as training concluded in Cork, but Foley insisted it was standard for the Limerick man. “Keith’s fine. It’s just ongoing with him, he’s got to be managed from day to day so it’s all good.”