Munster’s John Hodnett ruled out of crunch URC inter-pro derby against Connacht

Hodnett is nursing a leg injury, and as a result, the West Cork native will not feature this weekend.

Loosehead Josh Wycherley is also a doubt, as he is following the graduated return-to-play protocols, with his availability set to be determined later in the week.

In better news, Academy back-row Brian Gleeson has returned to training following an ankle injury, as has winger Liam Coombes, who has recovered from a shoulder problem.

Munster will welcome back John Ryan after the tighthead completed his three-game suspension in time to feature in the clash with Connacht, for which ticket sales have passed the 17,500 mark.

Meanwhile, Dave Kilcoyne (shoulder), Diarmuid Barron (foot), Roman Salanoa (knee), Jean Kleyn (knee/eye), Paddy Patterson (knee) and Patrick Campbell (shoulder) remain sidelined.