Tipoki Back In Munster Squad

Tipoki limped out of game against the All Blacks on November 18th with a knee injury but returns ahead of schedule thanks according to team manager Shaun Payne "the professionalism of the player himself and the superb work of our medical and fitness staff".

As Munster look to get their Magners League ambitions back on track following defeat in Galway last Sunday, they once again make full use of their squad with Kieran Lewis, Ronan O'Gara, Denis Fogarty, Jerry Flannery, Donncha O'Callaghan and John O'Sullivan returning, having missed the game against Connacht.

With Frank Sheahan ruled out until the end of January after suffering a shoulder injury against Connacht, Munster include three hookers and while there is no place for the likes of Paul O'Connell, Marcus Horan, Tomas O'Leary or Ian Dowling, all are well and likely to be included in the squad for the trip to Wales next week. "This is a busy time of year," explained Payne, " with a succession of very important, very intense games. So it's important we use or resources prudently not alone for our own sake but also keeping in mind the international players workload with the Six Nations just a little over four weeks away."

Payne also reports that Denis Leamy is rehabbing well and on schedule for a possible return at the end of January

Munster Squad: K Earls, D Hurley, D Howlett, B Murphy, R Tipoki, L Mafi, K Lewis, P Warwick, R O'Gara, M Prendergast, P Stringer, F Pucciariello, D Fogarty, J Flannery, M Essex, T Ryan, J Hayes, M O'Driscoll, D O'Callaghan, D Ryan, A Quinlan, J O'Sullivan, N Ronan, N Williams, J Coughlan,