Munster Rugby Hit By Injury Woes Ahead Of Leinster And Champions Cup
Munster Rugby Hit By Injury Woes Ahead Of Leinster And Champions Cup
Munster Rugby faces a major injury crisis, as key players Craig Casey, Thaakir Abrahams and Jean Kleyn are sidelined, impacting Champions Cup plans.
Munster Rugby is grappling with a growing injury crisis, as three key players - Craig Casey, Thaakir Abrahams and Jean Kleyn - have been ruled out for four months following surgeries.
The setbacks come at a critical juncture, with a marquee clash against Leinster looming, and a return to the Investec Champions Cup on the horizon.
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Casey, the Irish scrum-half in top form this season, sustained a knee injury during Munster’s 16-14 Champions Cup loss to Castres. His absence deals a significant blow to both Munster and the Irish national team, as he will miss the entire Six Nations campaign.
The South African duo of Abrahams and Kleyn also have been sidelined long-term.
Abrahams, who joined Munster this season, required shoulder surgery, while Kleyn underwent an operation for a thigh issue. Kleyn’s latest setback is particularly frustrating, as the lock had just signed a two-year extension in November, but he has been limited to six appearances this season.
Munster’s injury troubles don’t end there.
Center Alex Nankivell is out with a hamstring strain, while veteran prop Dave Kilcoyne suffered a thigh injury in the Castres game, just one match after his yearlong recovery from a previous issue.
Star players Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray, along with Sean O’Brien, Jeremy Loughman, Edwin Edogbo and Roman Salanoa also are among the walking wounded.
“It’s cruel,” said Munster defense coach Denis Leamy. “That’s the nature of the game. We’ve faced similar challenges before. It’s disappointing for the boys, but our medical and S&C teams are working hard to get them back. It’s next man up, and we’ve got to show resilience.”
Despite the setbacks, Munster is determined to persevere, rallying its squad depth while preparing for critical fixtures.
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