Munster dealt Alex Nankivell injury blow ahead of URC play-offs

Alex Nankivell is a doubt for Munster's play-off run in the BKT United Rugby Championship, with the centre ruled out for multiple weeks due to an ankle injury.

The New Zealander was withdrawn midway through the second half of last Friday's 29-26 win over Edinburgh, which saw the province move top of the URC table.

Nankivell has enjoyed a brilliant first season since joining Munster from the Chiefs in November, playing 18 games and scoring four tries for Graham Rowntree's side.

The province's latest injury update says the 27-year-old "will be unavailable for the next few weeks", which leaves him highly unlikely to play in next week's final regular season game against Ulster on Saturday 1 June. It would also make him doubtful for their quarter-final, which takes place the following week.

Should Munster advance further in the play-offs, they would be in semi-final action on the weekend of 14-16 June, with the final taking place on Saturday 22 June.

Full-back Mike Haley is also a doubt for next week's visit of Ulster, after departing Friday's win against Edinburgh with a head injury. The 29-year-old is following the return to play protocols.

In better news, Munster could be able to welcome back Joey Carbery, John Hodnett and Peter O'Mahony for the Interpro at Thomond Park, with the province reporting that their availability will be assessed next week.

A win of any kind against Ulster would guarantee the defending champions the top-seed ahead of next month's play-offs.

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