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Munster taking Murray injury 'day-by-day' as Mathewson adds experience

The Ireland international scrum-half is sidelined, but it’s unclear when he will be fit.

IT REMAINS UNCLEAR how long Conor Murray will be sidelined for after Munster head coach Johann van Graan said the province are taking it “day-by-day” with the scrum-half’s injury.

Munster have not officially confirmed the nature of Murray’s injury, only saying he was “ruled out for the short-term period” when announcing the signing of Alby Mathewson on a four-month contract. 

Conor Murray Murray at Munster training earlier this week. Oisin Keniry / INPHO Oisin Keniry / INPHO / INPHO

The42 understands that Murray is managing a neck/shoulder issue that had been affecting him at times last season. 

“I can’t comment on Conor’s injury,” said van Graan after Munster’s win over the Cheetahs.

“I wasn’t in a position to comment on it on Monday [when Munster held a press conference].

“He’s got an injury and it’s positive, but we just have to take it day-by-day.”

The42 understands that Murray himself is optimistic about recovering from the issue sooner rather than later.

Some professional rugby players have become increasingly protective of information regarding their injuries, which may explain why van Graan declined to comment in more detail on Murray’s situation.

Munster confirmed the signing of Kiwi scrum-half Mathewson as cover for Murray earlier this week.

The 32-year-old All Black-capped halfback has had spells with the Hurricanes, Blues, Force, Bristol and, most recently, Toulon.

Neil Cronin with Luan de Bruin Neil Cronin had a fine game for Munster yesterday. Tommy Dickson / INPHO Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO

Van Graan does also have Neil Cronin, James Hart and Duncan Williams as scrum-half options in his squad, although it’s understood that Williams has been carrying a knock recently.

Cronin showed his class in the nine shirt for Munster in the six-try win against the Cheetahs yesterday, with Hart coming off the bench, but van Graan explained that he felt his squad needed another option in Murray’s absence.

“We just wanted to get some experience,” said van Graan. “If you look at our nines, we’ve got one or two injuries and one or two knocks.

“It’s a long season and Conor is a pretty important player for us. We wanted some experience in and it was well communicated to the squad.”

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