Former Leinster back Rob Russell training with Munster

Shane Daly and Seán O'Brien are unavailable to face the Sharks in the URC this weekend due to injuries sustained in Saturday's defeat to Leinster

Rob Russell has played with Old Belvedere in the AIL this season. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Munster have announced that former Leinster and Gloucester back Rob Russell has been training with the province as short-term injury cover in recent weeks. 

Russell, who can play on the wing or at full-back, left Gloucester at the end of last season. He had joined the English side from Leinster in the summer of 2025 after making 35 appearances and scoring 18 tries for the province. The 27-year-old, who won a Grand Slam with the Ireland U20s in 2019, has played with Old Belvedere in the AIL this season. 

Munster have also confirmed that Shane Daly and Seán O'Brien will be unavailable for the URC clash with the Sharks at Thomond Park on Saturday evening. Both backs sustained injuries in last Saturday's defeat to Leinster at the Aviva Stadium. 

Daly was stretched off after sustaining a concussion and has started the return-to-play protocols. O'Brien misses out with a groin injury.