JJ Hanrahan set to miss Cardiff clash as he enters return to play protocols 

Six players who missed the trip due to what the province last week described as short- to medium-term injuries – centre Tom Farrell (calf), flanker John Hodnett (cheek), wing Diarmuid Kilgallen (ankle), props Michael Milne (calf) and John Ryan (elbow), and wing Andrew Smith (chest).

TEAM UPDATE: JJ Hanrahan is set to miss Munster’s opening home game of the URC season this Saturday after failing a Head Injury Assessment in the round-one victory at Scarlets. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

JJ Hanrahan is set to miss Munster’s opening home game of the URC season this Saturday after failing a Head Injury Assessment in the round-one victory at Scarlets.

Hooker Niall Scannell has been cleared to face Cardiff at Thomond Park having passed his HIA in the 34-21 bonus-point win in West Wales after making his 200th Munster appearance last Saturday. While Scannell has been able to return to training fly-half Hanrahan must enter the return to play protocols having been withdrawn at half-time after making his third debut for the province following a summer move from Connacht.