Simon Zebo and Donnacha Ryan set to return for Munster’s battle with Ulster

Ireland World Cup players Simon Zebo and Donnacha Ryan look set to be in the Munster squad for Friday’s eagerly- awaited Guinness Pro12 clash with Ulster at Thomond Park (kick-off 6pm).

But fans will have to wait until at least Thursday to learn the identity of the big name back-row forward the province has signed to stand in for Peter O’Mahony ahead of an intensive programme of matches in both the Guinness Pro12 and European Champions Cup.

Munster have supplied the names of their 30-man squad for the latter competition and expect ratification from the organisers of the European event before the end of this week. When pressed at UL yesterday to reveal the name of the “mystery man”, Munster head coach Anthony Foley urged patience.