Rugby: Clohessy defies burns for Cup clash

Irish international Peter Clohessy has made an amazing recovery from burns to take his place in the Munster line up for tomorrow’s Heineken Cup semi-final against French club Castres in Beziers.

Prop Clohessy, was hurt in a garden fire at his home just two days after bowing out of international rugby following Ireland’s Six Nations defeat against France in Paris earlier this month.

Just 19 days later though, Clohessy has defied the odds to feature in a Munster side showing just one enforced change from the side that defeated quarter-final opponents Stade Francais.

Clohessy will take the field tomorrow with a protective guard on his right arm, which took the brunt of his injuries.

The veteran loosehead will retire from rugby at the end of this season, and has targeted a perfect send off with an appearance in next month’s Heineken Cup final.

Munster’s change is in the back row, where flanker Alan Quinlan takes over from injured Australian recruit Jim Williams.

Castres, bidding to reach their first Heineken final will be captained by their Scotland and Lions’ flyhalf Gregor Townsend.

The Castres line up also includes Townsend’s fellow Scot, wing Shaun Longstaff, New Zealander Norm Berryman and wing Ugo Mowla, the tournament’s top try scorer this season.