Mike Haley returns but Munster likely to rotate for Ulster

Munster look set to rest some of their Ireland internationals for Sunday's BKT United Rugby Championship meeting with Ulster in Belfast, while there is mixed news on the injury front.

Diarmuid Barron has been ruled out of the New Year's Day Interpro having failed a HIA during Monday's defeat to Leinster, and will not follow the return to play protocols for concussion.

Jean Kleyn is also doubtful, having suffered a knee injury, with the province saying the second row will have a scan before his availability for the weekend will be determined.

In better news, Mike Haley has returned to full training after missing the game against Leinster, but Jeremy Loughman and John Hodnett are among the recent injuries that remain sidelines.

The province also say their Ireland internationals "will be rotated in the coming weeks" with Graham Rowntree having picked close to a full-strength team since the end of the Autumn Internationals.

Peter O'Mahony, Tadhg Beirne, Joey Carbery, Jack Crowley and Craig Casey are among those who are in line for a break as per IRFU player welfare guidelines, having played in multiple internationals last month.

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