Munster name squad as injury list grows

Tony McGahan has named a 28-strong squad for Munster’s final pool match against Northampton Saints that will be played in the stadium:mk Milton Keynes on Saturday (6pm).

The obvious omission from the weekend is Niall Ronan who was forced out of the Castres game with a knee injury.

He had a scan yesterday that showed ligament damage. He will need specialist assessment before a definite timescale for a return to training can be determined. He will however be out for the foreseeable future.

Ronan’s setback sees the inclusion of academy player Dave O’Callaghan in the squad. Injuries to David Wallace and Tommy O’Donnell have stretched Munster’s resources at openside flanker.

Donnacha Ryan looks favourite to partner Coughlan and O’Mahony in the back row as he did after Ronan’s departure against Castres, restoring the traditional lock pairing of O’Connell and O’Callaghan.

Munster Squad (v Northampton Saints):

Marcus Horan, Wian du Preez, John Ryan, Stephen Archer, BJ Botha, Damien Varley, Denis Fogarty, Donnacha Ryan, Paul O'Connell, Donncha O'Callaghan, Ian Nagle, Mick O'Driscoll, Peter O'Mahony, James Coughlan, Billy Holland, Dave O'Callaghan, Conor Murray, Tomas O'Leary, Duncan Williams, Ronan O'Gara, Ian Keatley, Danny Barnes, Simon Zebo, Will Chambers, Lifeimi Mafi, Keith Earls, Johne Murphy, Denis Hurley.

Unavailable for selection through injury:

Niall Ronan

Denis Leamy (hip) undergoes surgery today.

Mike Sherry (ankle) Back training this week, may take part in AIL or B&I this weekend.

David Wallace (knee) (Expected back training March)

Troy Smith (knee) (February)

Felix Jones (foot) (February)

Doug Howlett (Achilles) (Next season)

Darragh Hurley (back) (April)

Tommy O'Donnell (knee) (February)

Tom Gleeson (shoulder) (March)

Jerry Flannery (back) (No date)