Munster receive double international boost ahead of Bulls visit

Munster have received a double Ireland boost ahead of Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash with the Bulls, with Craig Casey and Jeremy Loughman both available for selection at Thomond Park.

Clayton McMillan’s side are looking to respond after opening their campaign with a 26-20 defeat to Glasgow Warriors in Limerick, having led 17-7 at half-time before the visitors turned the contest around after the break.

Casey and Loughman will now come back into contention for Round 2, strengthening Munster ahead of a home fixture against last season’s URC finalists.

There is further encouragement on the injury front, with Tom Ahern, Jack Aungier, Shane Daly and Ruadhán Quinn set to return to training this week ahead of the Bulls’ visit.

Munster will, however, be without Mike Haley after the full-back sustained a knee injury against Glasgow. Diarmuid Barron, Jack O’Donoghue and Alex Nankivell are also unavailable as they continue through return-to-play protocols.

Fixture

United Rugby Championship

Munster

11:45

3 Oct 26

Bulls

All Stats and Data

The province looked poised to open the season with a win after JJ Hanrahan kicked them into an early lead and Ben O’Connor crossed for the opening try. Michael Milne’s score then helped Munster establish a 10-point advantage at the interval.

Glasgow fought their way back into the contest in the second half, with Nathan McBeth reducing the deficit before George Horne put the visitors ahead late on.

Jamie Dobie then capped his 100th Glasgow appearance by scoring his second try of the evening to secure a bonus-point victory for the Warriors.

The challenge gets no easier this weekend, with the Bulls arriving after beginning their campaign with a 47-13 victory away to Zebre Parma.

The availability of Casey and Loughman therefore provides a timely lift for McMillan as Munster seek an immediate response, their first win of the season and a performance in front of their home support.