Munster Rugby’s front row stocks have been significantly strengthened with the return of prop Oli Jager and loosehead Dave Kilcoyne from injury. Both players are back in full training this week, providing a timely boost to the squad following an injury crisis earlier in the season.
Kilcoyne has been sidelined for nearly a year after suffering a shoulder injury against Leinster on St Stephen’s Day last year, followed by an ankle injury during pre-season. The 36-year-old loosehead prop has endured a long road to recovery, but is now fully fit and available for selection. Meanwhile, Jager returns after missing the last five matches due to a neck injury, and his return to full training adds depth to the squad’s front row options.
The timing of their returns comes as a relief to interim head coach Ian Costello, who has been dealing with a number of injury setbacks, particularly in the loosehead prop position. Munster had been forced to bring in reinforcements earlier this season, signing Dian Bleuler from the Sharks and Conor Bartley from Young Munster on short-term contracts. Bleuler, in particular, has impressed in his two starts for the province, and it is expected that he will continue in the starting lineup for Friday night’s crucial Pool 3 clash away to Castres in the Investec Champions Cup.
In other injury news, Munster reported no fresh injuries following their 33-7 victory over Stade Francais in Saturday’s Champions Cup match. Wingers Calvin Nash and Shane Daly both passed their head injury assessments and are available for selection.
Conor Murray, who has been sidelined with an elbow injury, is also expected to return to action in the coming weeks, providing further reinforcements to Munster’s half-back options. However, lock Jean Kleyn remains unavailable due to a neck injury, although he is reportedly making good progress with his rehabilitation.
The return of Kilcoyne and Jager, along with the continued progress of other injured players, provides Munster with valuable depth as they enter a crucial phase of the season, with key European fixtures on the horizon.