Munster set to be without key trio for Challenge Cup showdown
MUNSTER ARE LIKELY to be without key trio Diarmuid Barron, Calvin Nash and Brian Gleeson for their Challenge Cup Round of 16 clash against Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park on Saturday [KO 12.30pm, live on Premier Sports].
All three players failed their respective head injury assessments after last weekend’s URC loss to Bulls in Pretoria, and are following return to play protocols.
Barron, Nash and Gleeson all started the 34-31 defeat, with Nash substituted off in the 23rd minute. Hooker Barron – making his 100th Munster appearance – and number eight Gleeson later followed the wing into the treatment room.
Failed HIAs mean they are unlikely to feature in Saturday’s knockout showdown.
Munster yesterday added recent signing, Kiwi scrum-half Ben O’Donovan, to their Challenge Cup squad along with loosehead prop Mark Donnelly and out-half Tom Wood.
Clayton McMillon’s squad arrived back to Shannon Airport from South Africa on Monday afternoon, and after a down day on Tuesday, the full group began preparations for their next assignment in Devon today.
A win sets up a Challenge Cup quarter-final against the winners of Benetton and Cardiff.
- Updated at 5.06pm to correct headline
