Donnacha Ryan and Johnny Holland in fitness battle for Edinburgh game

Munster are striving to get Donnacha Ryan and Johnny Holland fit as they prepare for a season-defining game with Edinburgh in Cork on Friday week.

After last weekend’s loss to Connacht it is imperative Munster beat the Scottish club — who are above them in the PRO12 table — at Musgrave Park in order to maintain their grip on the final Champions Cup qualification spot.

Ireland second row Ryan and rookie out-half Holland were both forced off the pitch at the Sportsground last Saturday night after sustaining blows to the head and Munster reported yesterday that the pair are undergoing return to play protocols. If the players pass through the protocols in the normal time frame (seven days) they should be available to coach Anthony Foley, who desperately needs to close out the season with two positive results.