Munster lose Beirne, Coombes and Kilcoyne for trip to Exeter

Munster's prospects of advancing to the quarter-finals of the Heineken Champions Cup have been dealt a triple blow with confirmation from the province that Gavin Coombes, Tadhg Beirne and David Kilcoyne have been ruled out of next Saturday's round of 16 first leg against Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park (5.30pm).

Beirne is awaiting a specialist review on his thigh injury and Kilcoyne will begin a period of rehabilitation after seeing a specialist for a neck injury. Coombes will undergo a scan on the ankle injury he sustained against Leinster, meaning there must also be a significant doubt over all three, and especially Coombes and Kilcoyne, for the second leg in Thomond Park on Saturday week.

As expected, Andrew Conway (knee) is also still sidelined along with James French (knee) and RG Snyman (knee).

Against that, the hope remains that Mike Haley, Simon Zebo and Jean Kleyn will all be available after being ruled out of last Saturday's 34-19 loss to Leinster in the United Rugby Championship.