Munster boosted by return of Emerging Ireland crop

Munster's Emerging Ireland contingent look set to be available for the province in this weekend's crucial BKT United Rugby Championship meeting with Bulls on Saturday.

The province had nine players away on duty with Emerging Ireland in South Africa in recent weeks, helping Simon Easterby's side to wins against the Griquas, Pumas and Cheetahs, and while they are only due to return to squad training on Thursday, Munster are expecting some of that contingent to feature at Thomond Park this weekend.

Mike Haley joined the long list of outside backs on the injury table last week, and the full-back will also be unavailable on Saturday due to a groin injury.

So stretched have they been in that area that academy pair Conor Phillips and Patrick Campbell started on the wings in the last two games, while Joey Carbery made his first Munster start at full-back in the defeat to Connacht.

The return of the Emerging Ireland contingent (below) looks set to bolster the numbers though, with Calvin Nash, Shane Daly and centre Antoine Frishc among them.

"My understanding is the boys are back in with us on Thursday," said Munster assistant Denis Leamy.

"I think they're back today and have tomorrow off. We expect to see them on Thursday and as far as I'm aware, everyone is available for selection. That's my understanding."

Captain Peter O'Mahony is being monitored for a neck injury after last week's defeat to Connacht, but the flanker was pictured training today at their UL base.

Fineen Wycherley is also a doubt for Saturday due to a knee injury, but centre/wing Liam Coombes has returned to training following a hamstring issue.

And although they do still have several frontline players such as Keith Earls, Andrew Conway and Simon Zebo unavailable, Leamy