Ronan on the mend as Leamy faces extended absence

Niall Ronan, who was forced to retire early from Munster’s RaboDirect PRO12 game against Benetton Treviso on Saturday, is expected to be fit in time for consideration for the Heineken Cup game against Castres this weekend.

Ronan suffered a blow to the knee as he crossed for Munster’s opening try and was replaced five minutes later by Donncha O'Callaghan but the Munster management are hopeful he'll be fit in time for Saturday’s big game.

The news on Denis Leamy is not as positive however, as the number 8 will need an operation to repair damage to a hip that's been bothering him for some time.

The Cashel man faces up to four months on the sidelines ruling him out of contention for the Six Nations. Munster teammate Tommy O'Donnell (knee) will be out for up to six weeks.

Meanwhile in Leinster both Gordon D’Arcy and Jonathan Sexton are expected to be fit for the province’s Heineken Cup clash against the Glasgow Warriors on Sunday, despite coming off in the 23-19 win over Cardiff Blues on Saturday night.

D’Arcy had to be replaced by Isa Nacewa after sustaining a rib injury while Sexton was taken off after an hour with a hamstring problem.

It was initially feared the outhalf may have tweaked the muscle but the Leinster management have since confirmed that it was just cramp.