Squad update Munster Vs Glasgow Warriors

The Munster squad are preparing at the HPC ahead of Saturday's URC opener against Glasgow Warriors at Thomond Park.

There are no fresh injuries to report following Friday’s final pre-season game against Leicester Tigers.

New signing Marnus van der Merwe made a successful return to action at Virgin Media Park after rehabilitating the calf injury he sustained with Scarlets last season. 

JJ Hanrahan is completing the return-to-play protocols.

Ruadhán Quinn is increasing his training load and is expected to return shortly.

Academy out-half Tom Wood will undergo surgery on his shoulder this week and is ruled out until the new year.

Head Coach Clayton McMillan said: “Undergoing surgery now is the best option for Tom in both the short- and long-term.

“He is a very promising young player with a bright future. While it’s disappointing for him to miss the coming months, I know he will use the time wisely and come back in even better condition to make a big contribution to Munster this season and in the years ahead.”

Lee Barron is unavailable with a short-term ankle injury while Max Clein, Edwin Edogbo, Tom Farrell and Calvin Nash will also miss this weekend’s clash.

In player news, out-half Tony Butler has rejoined the province as injury cover on a short-term contract.

Butler, who departed in the summer after five years at Munster, joined squad training last week and featured as a replacement in Friday's pre-season clash against Leicester.