Connacht Squad Update

However, there were some injury concerns following their 14 - 11 win over Newport Gwent Dragons at the weekend.

It has been confirmed that centre Dave McSharry, who was forced off the field early in the opening half on Saturday, endured a high ankle sprain and is looking at up to six weeks on the side-lines. The 23-year-old has played in seven games for Connacht this season following his return from a long-term injury in October.

Flanker Jake Heenan, who has played in all 14 games for the province, suffered a shoulder strain in Saturday's game at the Sportsground and is unlikely to be involved this week against Munster.

Sligo-born hooker Sean Henry missed last week's game due to a neck strain and remains unavailable this week.

In better news, both Ronan Loughney and Frank Murphy returned to training today and are available for selection while second row Aly Muldowney has recovered from illness and was also back with the squad today.

Pat Lam's Connacht travel to Thomond Park in Limerick for the Friday night fixture with table-toppers Munster.

Munster retained their top spot in the RaboDirect PRO12 courtesy of their last gasp 16-10 win over Scarlets in Cork on Saturday evening. The Munstermen have lost only one of their last eleven PRO12 fixtures: 19-29 in Treviso on 20th September. Munster have lost just once to a fellow Irish province in their last five such encounters, 16-22 at home to Leinster on 13th April.

Connacht's 14-11 victory over the Dragons in Galway on Saturday snapped an eight game losing streak in the PRO12.

Munster have won their last nine fixtures with Connacht, whilst Connacht have beaten the Munstermen just once since 1986, 12-6 in Galway in December 2008.

Munster v Connacht At Thomond Park , 7.15pm.
Live on TG4
Referee: Dudley Phillips (IRFU, 39th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Sean Gallagher, Eanna O'Dowd (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner: Gordon Black (IRFU)
TMO: Alan Rogan (IRFU)