Returning trio boost Munster's chances ahead of Pro 12 clash with Glasgow

Tommy O’Donnell, Donnacha Ryan and James Cronin return to action for Munster in tonight’s Guinness Pro12 clash with Glasgow Warriors on the 4G pitch at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock.

The release of the trio by Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has come as a massive boost for a side that has lost each of its last three home games in the tournament and finds itself in danger of missing out on the knock-out stages and failing to qualify for next season’s European Champions Cup.

Having captured the trophy last year, hammering Munster 31-13 in the process in the Belfast final, Glasgow saw a large contingent of their leading players called up by Scotland in the World Cup and Six Nations. As a result, they have been a pale shadow of the squad that brushed all opposition aside in last season’s competition. They currently languish in eighth place with 30 points (12 games played), seven behind Munster in 6th (13 played).