LEINSTER WILL BE without number 10 Ross Byrne in this Friday’s Pro14 meeting with Scarlets (kick-off 19.35, TG4/ eir Sport) after he sustained a head injury in the Heineken Champions Cup win over Wasps.
The out-half will undergo concussion return to play protocols this week and his province today ruled him out of contention for that clash.
Jack Conan missed the Wasps win with a shoulder injury and has not travelled with the Ireland squad to Portugal.
Rob Kearney and Jack McGrath also remain with their province for the possibility of getting game-time before the Six Nations.
Dan Leavy, who wasn’t named in Ireland’s squad for the meeting with England, will hope to shake off a calf injury this week in time to face Scarlets.
Fergus McFadden will step up his training as he continues recovery from hamstring injury.
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While I would have been quite critical of them last season, I think the addition of Friend has really brought out the best in Carolan, Wilkins and Duffy. Duffy in particular has done a great job of making the Connacht set-piece a weapon for the province.
@EK: scrum has been exceptional at times. Carolan/friend has them playing some sexy rugby too. Getting bums on seats and growing the game well out wesht.
@Bruce van der Gutschmitzer: what seats? Have you ever been to the sportsground?
@Bruce van der Gutschmitzer: although I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment things are looking up again out west after a couple of underwhelming seasons.
@Cian Cunniffe: have you? There are seats at the back of the Main Stand, there are seats in the Enclosed section of the Main Stand, there are seats in the Grant Thornton Stand, so about 500 in all…
I’ve no particular gra for Connacht but even I’m delighted by that news. Great signing.
@Jim Demps: Thanks for sharing that with us Jim
@Jim Demps: when did Munster last win anything?
@Juanito El Bueno: they won last weekend against Exeter, the weekend before against Gloucester, the weekend before against connacht and the weekend before that against Leinster. The results are all on the munster website.
@Jim Demps: Pretty sure he meant when did they last win a trophy. But don’t worry Jim, if you manage to get past Edinburgh I can see Munster getting all the way to a European semi final this year!
@Jim Demps: “I heard you’re a racist now Jim ” ;)
@Californialov3: well the farm takes up most of the day, and at night i just like a cup of tea, so i might not be able to devote meself full-time to the old racism but sur I’ll give it a go.
@Jim Demps: thank god you got it! Long live the craic!
@Californialov3: tis the only way to have it.
John Muldoon’s return postponed for another two years I am sure he had one eye on a coaching ticket!