Rugby:Peter Stringer has agreed a new one-year extension to his Munster contract and will return to the province when his latest loan spell expires at the end of the season. The former Ireland scrumhalf is currently playing for the Newcastle Falcons.
With Tomas O’Leary moving on to London Irish in the summer, Stringer will provide some much needed experience at the base of the scrum next term. Second row Dave Foley has also agreed a 12-month deal to remain in Limerick.
The defending Pro12 champions will be without Paul O’Connell, Donnacha Ryan and Conor Murray for the visit of Leinster to Thomond Park this Saturday but coach Tony McGahan is confident all three will be fit for action when Ulster make the trip south on Sunday week.
O’Connell is the biggest concern at this stage but McGahan fully expects to have his captain available. “With Paul’s determination and his healing powers it would take a very significant injury for him to be kept out of a quarter-final at home next week,” McGahan explained.
Munster squad(v Leinster): Marcus Horan, Wian du Preez, BJ Botha, John Ryan, Stephen Archer, Damien Varley, Mike Sherry, Denis Fogarty, Donncha O'Callaghan, Mick O'Driscoll, Billy Holland, Dave O'Callaghan, Peter O'Mahony, Tommy O'Donnell, David Wallace, James Coughlan, Duncan Williams, Tomas O'Leary, Ronan O'Gara, Ian Keatley, Simon Zebo, Danny Barnes, Lifeimi Mafi, Keith Earls, Denis Hurley, Johne Murphy, Scott Deasy, Felix Jones.
