RUGBY/European Cup Semi-Final: Declan Kidney has named a 25-man panel, including prop Peter Clohessy, to travel to Beziers for their Heineken European Cup semi-final against Castres on Saturday. Clohessy took part in full-contact training yesterday wearing protective covering, which indicates management have not ruled out his participation in the match.
Kidney named two other props to cover for Clohessy in the event he does not play, John Hayes and Marcus Horan. He has also included John Langford in the panel as cover for second row Paul O'Connell, who did not take full part yesterday in Limerick. Hayes and Irish outhalf Ronan O'Gara came through the session without problems.
Munster will not name the starting XV until tomorrow, as European Cup regulations stipulate they join Castres at Stade de la Mediterranee, Beziers, in a joint press conference, when both will name their teams.
Meanwhile, Ballymena, in preparation for next season, have acquired the services of Brian Robinson, the former Ulster number eight, to conduct lineout and back row clinics, while former internationals Philip Rainy and Trevor Ringland will provide input on wing and full back development.
Davie Smyth, the former Ulster captain, will help with ruck and maul development, and Stanley McDowell will assist the new head backs coach, Ollie Smith. Smith is a twin brother of Lions hooker Stevie, who will also become involved in general positional play and lineout throwing.
Carlow, who just managed to stay in Division One after their first year, will be seeking a new coach for next season. Australian Kim Thurbon has decided to make an amicable departure and will stay with the club until they find a suitable replacement.
MUNSTER TRAVELLING SQUAD (v Castres): Forwards: P Clohessy, M Horan, J Hayes, M Cahill, F Sheahan, J Fogarty, M Galwey, P O'Connell, M O'Driscoll, J Langford, D O'Callaghan, A Quinlan, D Wallace, A Foley. Backs: P Stringer, M Prendergast, R O'Gara, A Horgan, J Kelly, J O'Neil, R Henderson, J Holland, M Mullins, D Crotty, J Staunton.
