Munster's Coughlan set for Christmas return

Munster number eight James Coughlan is planning on an early Christmas present for Rob Penney by being back and fighting for a place in the side by early December, according to The Evening Echo.

Coughlan said: “I’m nearly there now, the hope is to be back at the start of December, it’s going according to plan anyway and as long as it keeps going in the right direction, I’m happy.

“It’s been frustrating, extremely so. I’ve been trying not to think about it and just working on getting myself right. It’s very hard watching rugby when you want to be involved and contributing something.”

It’s the second injury blow in 12 months for the back-rower.

Firstly he broke his hand against Ulster in Munster’s Heineken Cup exit last season and then tore his hamstring also against Ulster in September at Ravenhill.

“It’s a tough time when you’re injured but you just have to take it day by day and make the best progression possible.”