Damian de Allende and Keith Earls big doubts for Champions Cup last 16

Damian de Allende. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Munster are hoping rather than expecting Damian de Allende will be fit in time for April’s Heineken Champions Cup knockout ties with Exeter Chiefs, JP Ferreira has admitted.

The defence coach, speaking yesterday, was unable to give a definitive timeline on the Springbok centre’s recovery from an injury that has kept him out of the Munster line-up since January 1. The World Cup winner, out of contract at the end of the season and expected to move on in the summer after two impressive seasons at the province, suffered what is described as an abdomen injury in training in the week following the United Rugby Champions defeat at Connacht and he has missed the subsequent games since.