Jones returns to full fitness

The Munster medical team are hopeful that long-term injury sufferer Felix Jones will be in a position to return to the first team in the coming weeks.

The Dublin-born fullback has been out of action since mid May after undergoing surgery on his shoulder but is now considered to be back to full fitness.

Meanwhile Donncha O'Callaghan, who was forced off with a hamstring injury in Saturday’s defeat to Leinster, had a scan yesterday and indications are that he will be in the squad for this weekend’s Heineken Cup opener against Racing Metro when it is announced later in the week.

Marcus Horan is also expected to be in contention for a place in the squad while a decision on Niall Ronan will be delayed until it is seen how he comes through training this week.

Mike Sherry left the Aviva Stadium on crutches after Saturday’s game but that was merely as a precaution after he twisted an ankle.

As well as the return on Jones, Rob Penney and his coaching team will be encouraged by return to action of Luke O'Dea who played with his club Shannon over the weekend while Johne Murphy has also made a full recovery from his ankle injury and is available for selection this weekend.