Internationals return in further boost for Munster

Munster look set to be close to full-strength for Saturday's BKT United Rugby Championship meeting with Connacht, with Peter O'Mahony, Tadhg Beirne, Craig Casey and Jack Crowley all available for selection.

The quartet all reported back to training yesterday after Ireland's Autumn Nations Series win against Australia, and assistant coach Mike Prendergast says all four are available for selection for Saturday's Interpro against Connacht.

"They're available, they came back in yesterday, came back in a positive manner, all in good form after quite a successful international series," the province's attack coach said.

"They're back in and available for selection."

While Conor Murray, Andrew Conway, Stephen Archer and Tom Ahern all remain sidelined, the province could be close to full-strength for Saturday's Thomond Park derby, Keith Earls and Jean Kleyn cleared to train fully this week after injury, while Joey Carbery is also expected to clear the return to play protocols for concussion.

Munster welcome Connacht to Thomond Park on Saturday night looking for revenge following their October defeat at the Sportsground, which was one of five games they lost in the opening seven rounds of the URC.

And having played just one game this month - the 28-14 win against South Africa Select XV - Prendergast says it's given them the opportunity to get major work done on the training pitch.

"Just being familiar [with each other]," Prendergast (below) added.

"I've alluded to it over the last two months, we've used 55 players up to the South African game and it's just getting the combinations.

"Fortunately, we can see that coming through in terms of players working with each other in certain positions, and you need that. The other side if it, it gave