MUNSTER AND CONNACHT have added a closed training match to their pre-season schedules before their Pro14 warm-up fixtures commence next week.
The southern province will go to Galway for Friday’s hit-out before travelling to face Donncha O’Callaghan and Peter Stringer’s Worcester Warriors on Thursday 24 August.
Openside Tommy O’Donnell should feature in both contests as the province reports he has returned to full training after an ankle injury picked up in the Pro12 final defeat to Scarlets in May.
O’Donnell’s return to full fitness is timely with Conor Oliver still being assessed for a shoulder injury and Lions Peter O’Mahony and CJ Stander just getting their pre-season prep started – today for O’Mahony and next week for Stander.
Outside the pack, Conor Murray will also return to the fold next week. JJ Hanrahan has stepped up his recovery from a shoulder injury to take part in modified training, while Simon Zebo has resumed full training after picking up a knee problem during the second Test of Ireland’s summer tour.
Rassie Erasmus’ men begin the season at home to Treviso in Cork on 1 September before a tough block of games that features the Cheetahs’ first visit to Thomond Park, trips to face the Ospreys, Glasgow and an inter-pro clash with Leinster in the Aviva Stadium.
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