Munster boosted by Ireland duo but four ruled out after Glasgow defeat

Full-back Mike Haley , hooker Diarmuid Barron, back-rower Jack O’Donoghue and centre Alex Nankivell have all been ruled out for this weekend's clash with the Bulls

Scrum-half Craig Casey had a delayed start to his pre-season after being on Nations Championship duty with Ireland thsi summer. Pic: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Munster can call on Ireland international duo Craig Casey and Jeremy Loughman for this Saturday’s United Rugby Championship round two clash at home to the Bulls but there was mixed news for head coach Clayton McMillan on the injury front following an opening defeat to Glasgow Warriors.

Scrum-half Casey and loosehead prop Loughman had been on Nations Championship duty with Ireland in Australia and New Zealand this summer and had a delayed start to their pre-seasons along with Munster captain Tadhg Beirne under IRFU player welfare protocols. Second row/flanker Beirne remains under wraps but Casey and Loughman have been made available for this weekend’s game at Thomond Park, although their stand-ins last Saturday, Ben O’Donovan and prop Michael Milne were two standout performers in a 26-20 defeat.

McMillan will also have four fit-again players available to face the Bulls following returns to training this week for wing Shane Daly, back-rower Ruadhán Quinn, lock/flanker Tom Ahern and summer tighthead prop recruit Jack Aungier.

Those returns, however, have been counteracted by the losses of a quartet of starters against Glasgow.

Full-back Mike Haley picked up a first-half knee injury at Thomond Park while hooker Diarmuid Barron, back-rower Jack O’Donoghue and centre Alex Nankivell picked up concussions and all are unavailable for selection this Saturday, according to Munster Rugby’s Tuesday squad update.

Head coach McMillan will announce his team to face the Bulls this Thursday afternoon.