Big names set for Munster return

Paul O'Connell, Donnacha Ryan and Conor Murray could all take to the field this weekend for Munster’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Ulster, with all three making a return to training this week.

Murray and O’Connell have been out of action after both players suffered a knee injury against France in the Six Nations.

Both players visited a specialist in Dublin where they received the all-clear to resume training this week.

Donnacha Ryan was ruled out of the RaboDirect PRO12 defeat to Leinster with a shoulder problem but having returned to light training last Thursday the Nenagh man should be in contention for a starting place against Ulster.

Centre Keith Earls who was forced to retire in the 67th minute of Saturday's game at Thomond Park is reported to be fit and well ahead of the European encounter.

Tony McGahan will also be keeping an eye on the progress of David Wallace, who has returned to action for the Munster A team after a five-month absence with a knee injury.