MUNSTER PROP JAMES Cronin could make his first appearance for the province since November 2018 in Friday’s pre-season friendly against London Irish at Musgrave Park [KO 7.30pm].
The three-time capped Ireland international has been sidelined with a leg injury since last November but has returned to full fitness to provide Johann van Graan’s side with a pre-season boost.
Cronin, who signed a contract extension with Munster at the start of last season, is set to be named in an extended matchday squad for the province’s opening hit-out of the new campaign in Cork.
The 28-year-old’s return is also timely with Dave Kilcoyne away at the World Cup with Ireland, while Jeremy Loughman [hamstring] has also returned to full training ahead of Munster’s Pro14 opener against Dragons on 28 September.
In further positive news, Brian Scott [foot] returned to training this week and Alex Wootton [knee] continues to make progress in his comeback. Ciaran Parker, meanwhile, picked up a calf injury in training last week.
Meanwhile, Paddy Jackson will not be involved at Musgrave Park on Friday night after the out-half was excluded from London Irish’s 29-man squad for the friendly.
Former Leinster centre Brendan Macken and Irish back row Conor Gilsenan have been named in Declan Kidney’s travelling panel.
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