Rugby:The name of Paul O'Connell was conspicuous by its absence when Munster coach Tony McGahan named his squad for Sunday's Heineken Cup semi-final against Biarritz this afternoon. The Munster captain has been ruled out after failing to recover from a groin strain.
O’Connell hasn’t played since the Six Nations and has been unable to train for the last three weeks. He will travel with the squad to northern Spain – Sunday’s match will take place across the French border in San Sebastian – but will not be available for selection.
Mick O’Driscoll will again provide cover for his skipper alongside Donncha O’Callaghan in the second row with Ronan O’Gara to continue as captain.
McGahan announced his squad a short time ago and O’Connell’s loss was tempered somewhat by the inclusion of Doug Howlett, Ian Dowling, Nick Williams and Keith Earls. All had been carrying knocks but will travel this weekend.
Biarritz have injury problems of their own with Damien Traille already ruled out while a question mark hangs over the involvement of their inspirational leader Imanol Harinordoquy.
The number eight had an operation on a broken nose at the weekend but Biarritz president Serge Blanco expects him to feature, telling the French media “Imanol will play”.
Munster squad:Marcus Horan, Tony Buckley, Julien Brugnaut, John Hayes, Damien Varley, Jerry Flannery, Mick O'Driscoll, Billy Holland, Donncha O'Callaghan, Alan Quinlan, David Wallace, Nick Williams, James Coughlan, Niall Ronan, Tomas O'Leary, Peter Stringer, Ronan O'Gara, Paul Warwick, Lifeimi Mafi, Jean de Villiers, Tom Gleeson, Doug Howlett, Denis Hurley, Ian Dowling, Keith Earls, Scott Deasy.