Munster missing Dave Kilcoyne influence, says Graham Rowntree

Munster forwards coach Graham Rowntree. Picture: INPHO/Bryan Keane

Munster are already missing Dave Kilcoyne’s personality, says Graham Rowntree, never mind the eight weeks he will be sidelined, with the province considering signing short-term cover for their depleted stocks at loosehead prop.

Kilcoyne is expected to miss the first two rounds of Heineken Champions Cup pool action in December having undergone ankle surgery on Wednesday following a setback in his rehabilitation from an injury sustained against Leinster on August 22. News of his operation came on the same day Munster learned they would also be without Jeremy Loughman for six weeks with a shoulder injury while forwards coach Rowntree said a third senior loosehead, Liam O’Connor, faces another month out with a calf injury.