MUNSTER HAVE BROUGHT in Tom Sexton on trial as Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus aims to compensate for injuries at hooker.
With both Kevin O’Byrne and Mike Sherry among those currently sidelined, the province has announced that 26-year-old Sexton is currently training with the squad.
Sexton, who was born in Melbourne, was educated at Belvedere College and represented Ireland at Schools and U20 level, before making eight senior appearances for Leinster.
He joined Super Rugby side Melbourne Rebels in 2014 and missed his debut season due to an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury, but recovered and played five times in 2015. Sexton moved to Western Force on a one-year extended playing squad contract last October.
Meanwhile, Erasmus will be able to call upon Irish internationals Conor Murray and Keith Earls this weekend, with both players available for selection for Saturday’s Guinness Pro12 game away to Newport Gwent Dragons [5.15pm].
On the injury front, Tyler Bleyendaal should also be back in contention at out-half after missing last Friday’s defeat to Cardiff Blues due to a mild calf strain, while Rory Scannell’s neck injury isn’t as bad as was initially feared, but the centre is still being monitored by Munster’s medical staff.
However, flanker Tommy O’Donnell is following the return-to-play protocols after sustaining a concussion and lock Dave Foley could potentially be facing a lengthy spell out of action. He requires further consultation with a specialist after undergoing a scan on an elbow injury.
Springbok international Jaco Taute — whose short-term signing was announced by Munster last week — has joined up with the squad but the versatile back won’t be considered for selection this weekend.
