Accident leaves Clohessy doubtful for European Cup semi-final

News round-up: Peter Clohessy must be considered extremely doubtful for Munster's European Cup semi-final against Castres in Beziers on Saturday, April 27th, following an accident at his Limerick home in Lisnagry that left him with burns to his arm and his face.

The 36-year-old Irish international prop was burning rubbish in his back garden on Monday evening when there was an explosion, believed to be either an aerosol can or paint tin.

His arm, from elbow to wrist, and a small portion of the right side of his face appear to have suffered the worst effect of the flames. He was taken to the University College Hospital, Galway, for examination after being referred by Ireland team doctor Michael Griffin but, thankfully, was released yesterday.

The full extent of the damage is not known and a clearer picture on his injuries will be available after he sees a specialist tomorrow. Munster team manager Jerry Holland confirmed: "Our thoughts are with Peter and his family. We are thankful he is alive and okay. We will know more about his condition on Thursday after he sees the specialist."

The injuries are not thought to be as serious as first feared but even minor damage could see him sidelined for at least a month. The very nature of his position, prop, and the areas affected, arm and face, would mitigate against him playing.

Having announced his international retirement during the season, it is a dreadful blow to a player whose 54th and last cap came in Ireland's defeat by France and who had hoped to recover from the disappointment of losing by helping Munster to capture the European Cup. It would be a terrible pity to think that Clohessy would be denied that opportunity.

The wounds will need to be dressed on a regular basis and he would have been sent to see a specialist even if the damage was relatively minor. Munster's next match is an interprovincial clash with Leinster on Friday week.

Eight days later they are due to face Castres in Beziers, the third time that the sides will meet in the competition having faced each other in the pool stages. Declan Kidney's team then face Ulster in the final round of interprovincial matches on May 10th.

If Munster beat Castres in the European Cup semi-final, the final of the competition will be played on Saturday, May 25th, at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Clohessy's absence, were that to be the case, the experience and ability he brings to the team, would be a big setback to Munster hopes.

But obviously the immediate priority for Clohessy is to completely recover from his injuries and the prognosis on his rugby future is very much secondary to his rehabilitation. The player was understandably shaken by the incident. The specialist will now determine his rugby future.