Munster get Snyman and Ahern injury boost

Munster's double World Cup-winning lock RG Snyman has returned to full training. 

FITNESS BOOST: Munster second-row RG Snyman. Pic: James Crombie, Inpho

Munster head coach has received a timely double injury boost ahead of their trip to Wales for the United Rugby Championship tie with the Scarlets next week.

Munster's World Cup-winning lock RG Snyman has returned to full training having completed his rehab from a chest/shoulder surgery. 

Leinster-bound Snyman suffered the injury that has seen him ruled out of all of Munster's season so far back in October while playing for the victorious Springboks in the World Cup final. 

The 29-year-old was expected to be out of action until March, but should now be ready to go for the Parc Y Scarlets encounter on Friday week. 

Fellow forward Tom Ahern - who suffered a concussion in Munster's Champions Cup clash with Northampton in January - has completed his return to play protocols. 

Second-row/back-row Ahern was originally part of the Ireland training panel prior to the Six Nations, but had to pull out due to the head injury sustained in the Thomond Park defeat. 

Meanwhile, another versatile back-five forward, Cian Hurley, is stepping up his training load after a long-term Achilles injury.

Elsewhere, Patrick Campbell will undergo surgery on a shoulder injury and "will be unavailable for the coming four to five months".

Simon Zebo (knee), John Hodnett (finger), Paddy Patterson (knee), Jack O’Donoghue (knee), Dave Kilcoyne (shoulder), Diarmuid Barron (foot), Jean Kleyn (eye/knee), Liam Coombes (shoulder) and Roman Salanoa (knee) are listed as "continuing to rehab".