Stander sidelined as Coughlan returns for Munster

Munster today added James Coughlan to their Heineken Cup squad as permitted under competition rules.

CJ Stander, who was an option to fill that slot, has been omitted after suffering a broken bone in his right hand in the course of the game against Glasgow on Saturday.

The injury only came to light when the South African saw a specialist yesterday and he is expected to be out of action until January.

Coughlan was omitted from the original squad after suffering a torn groin in the September RaboDirect PRO12 in Ravenhill. At that time the prognosis was for a five month recovery period.

However the number 8 was particularly diligent about his rehab and has returned to action ahead of schedule which is good news for the Munster management who have seen Niall Ronan, Tommy O’Donnell and Stander pick up injuries over the past two weeks.

Ivan Dineen who was registered in place of Coughlan back in September, is now de-registered as per competition rules.