Van Graan okay with Munster’s trimmed-down 2019 options

Munster boss Johann van Graan says he is expecting to see less of Ireland’s frontline stars playing for their provinces this season as the national team steps up preparations for the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

Munster kick off their pre-season campaign in Cork on Friday against Declan Kidney’s London Irish with head coach van Graan expecting to no more than 30 of his squad available as his international contingent came back later than the bulk of his squad following their successful summer tour to Australia.