Munster sweat over Coombes and Nash availability 

Paddy Patterson, Gavin Coombes and Calvin Nash. Pic: James Crombie/Inpho

Munster could be without number eight Gabin Coombes and winger Calvin Nash for Saturday’s URC Round 15 clash against Vodacom Bulls at Thomond Park.

The pair sustained ankle injuries in their Champions Cup quarter-final exit against Bordeaux-Begles last weekend, and have both gone for scans. 

Their respective availability will be determined later in the week. 

It's worse news for hooker Diarmuid Barron, who will miss the Bulls clash with a shoulder/arm knock, also sustained in Bordeaux, while John Hodnett is also unavailable this weekend having injured his toe.

The province did welcome the early arrival of Leinster front-row duo Michael Milne and Lee Barron. 

Hooker Barron and prop Milne were due to arrive in the summer but have signed loan deals that see them make the move south a few months early amid the injury absence of Diarmuid Barron and Jeremy Loughman. 

The new arrivals trained with the Munster squad in Limerick on Tuesday. 

The province note the following are continuing to rehab: Jeremy Loughman (hamstring), Billy Burns (shoulder), Shane Daly (hamstring), Diarmuid Kilgallen (thigh), Mike Haley (ankle), Dave Kilcoyne (Achilles), Liam Coombes (chest), Edwin Edogbo (Achilles), Roman Salanoa (knee).