MUNSTER ARE LOOKING increasingly likely to include JJ Hanrahan at out-half in their team to face Racing 92 in Sunday’s must-win European encounter in Paris.
Hanrahan’s fitness for the make-or-break Heineken Champions Cup clash is vital for the province, with his fellow senior out-halves Joey Carbery and Tyler Bleyendaal both sidelined through injury.
Hanrahan missed last weekend’s Pro14 defeat to Ulster due to a hamstring injury, leaving Munster fans with fears that they would be without an experienced figure at out-half for the visit to Paris La Défense Arena.
Munster also have 20-year-old academy out-half Ben Healy registered to their European squad but he has played just once for the province at senior level.
Inside centre Rory Scannell is another potential option for Munster in the number 10 shirt, having previously played at out-half for the province, as well as featuring in the role during his school days and in the All-Ireland League with Dolphin RFC.
However, The42 understands that Hanrahan is on track to return to Munster’s starting XV on Sunday against Racing, which would be a major boost for Johann van Graan’s side as they bid to keep their European campaign alive into their final pool game at home to the Ospreys.
Hanrahan has been in good form this season, impressing in the Pro14 and starting three games in the Champions Cup so far.
The Kerry native has been “progressing well” with his rehab of the hamstring issue, according to Munster, and it now looks like he will be ready to face Top 14 outfit Racing, barring any late setbacks in training this week.
Munster are not due to name their starting team until Friday, although it appears that wing Andrew Conway will also recover from a neck issue to feature on the right wing.
Munster will be missing key man Tadhg Beirne after he underwent ankle surgery last week, meaning Billy Holland is set to start in the second row alongside Jean Kleyn, while Jack O’Donoghue is likely to join Peter O’Mahony and CJ Stander in the back row.
Meanwhile, Racing are set to be without former Munster and Ireland fullback Simon Zebo, who sustained an ankle injury in last weekend’s Top 14 clash with Clermont.
