Bryan Fitzgerald departs Munster as Conor Bartley extends stay

Oli Jager, Niall Scannell and Ethan Coughlan have all completed return-to-play protocols ahead of next weekend's URC clash with Scarlets.

Bryan Fitzgerald scored one try in two URC appearances for Munster. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Munster have confirmed that Bryan Fitzgerald has departed the province. The Garryowen centre initially joined on a three-month deal last summer before signing on for a further three months in October.

The Limerick man made two appearances in the URC, scoring a try on his debut against Zebre in September before going on to start against Ospreys a week later. 

As Fitzgerald leaves, another AIL player - Young Munster prop Conor Bartley - extends his time at Thomond Park. Bartley joined on a short-term deal late last year with Munster amid a prop crisis. The extension keeps him on the books until the end of the season. Leinster academy Ben Brownlee is currently training with the Munster squad on a short-term basis. 

There is some good news on the injury front with Oli Jager, Niall Scannell and Ethan Coughlan all completing their return-to-play protocols ahead of next weekend's URC clash with Scarlets at Thomond Park. Tom Farrell has recovered from a knee laceration sustained against Dragons last time out. 

There are 14 players continuing to rehab injuries: Mike Haley (ankle), Dave Kilcoyne (thigh), Alex Nankivell (hamstring), Thaakir Abrahams (shoulder), Craig Casey (knee), Jean Kleyn (thigh), Liam Coombes (chest), Seán O’Brien (leg), Jeremy Loughman (hip), Josh Wycherley (neck), Patrick Campbell (shoulder), Cian Hurley (knee), Edwin Edogbo (Achilles), Roman Salanoa (knee).