O’Connell back for Munster

Munster captain Paul O’Connell has today been named in coach Tony McGahan’s extended squad for Saturday’s Magners League clash with Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park Stadium (kick-off 5pm).

O’Connell has been out of action since incurring a groin injury in Ireland’s final RBS Six Nations game at Croke Park last March.

The Lions lock, however, played 40 minutes for his club Young Munster in the All Ireland League last weekend and has been deemed fit to partake in this weekend’s match.

International players Tony Buckley, Donncha O’Callaghan, Peter Stringer, Ronan O’Gara and Keith Earls also return to the squad.

Munster’s centre options have been significantly bolstered by the return of Sam Tuitupou and Lifeimi Mafi, who have both served their suspensions for dangerous tackles, while Barry Murphy will be hoping to play his third consecutive game for the Reds having battled back for a lengthy injury spell.

The pitch at Thomond Park Stadium has been covered since yesterday with officials confident that the game will go ahead as temperatures are forecast to rise slightly on Friday and Saturday.

Munster Squad: Wian du Preez, Dave Ryan, Damien Varley, Mike Sherry, Tony Buckley, Peter Borlase, John Hayes, Mick O’Driscoll, Ian Nagle, Donncha O’Callaghan, Paul O’Connell, Alan Quinlan, Billy Holland, Niall Ronan, David Wallace, Denis Leamy, Peter O’Mahony, Peter Stringer, Tomas O’Leary, Ronan O’Gara, Paul Warwick, Denis Hurley, Sam Tuitupou, Keith Earls, Barry Murphy, Lifeimi Mafi, Johne Murhy, Scott Deasy, Doug Howlett.