Munster given Jenkins injury boost

Jason Jenkins looks set to make his return for Munster on Friday, having resumed full training this week.

The South African lock has endured a luckless streak of injuries since arriving at the province last summer, making just one appearance off the bench this season.

The 26-year-old, who has agreed a contract to join rivals Leinster next season, made his debut versus Castres in December, before an abdominal injury kept him out for the last 11 weeks.

But the 6ft 8in second row could be a pivotal figure for Munster in the final third of the season if he can stay fit, starting with this Friday's United Rugby Championship clash with Benetton at Musgrave Park.

Mike Haley will miss the visit of the Italians, and is possibly a doubt for the Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 double-header with Exeter Chiefs. The full-back suffered a "low grade knee injury" in Saturday's defeat to the Lions, and will rehab "over the coming weeks".

Head coach Johann van Graan is also expected to have some of his Irish internationals available for selection, with Craig Casey, Gavin Coombes and Jeremy Loughman all returning to training this week.

However, Tadhg Beirne, Dave Kilcoyne, Peter O'Mahony, Conor Murray and Joey Carbery are all likely to sit out this weekend in anticipation of next week's derby with Leinster at Thomond Park, while the province will issue an update on the injured Andrew Conway tomorrow.

Keith Earls could also make his return from injury against the defending champions on 2 April.

The veteran wing has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury while in Irish camp before the Six Nations, but is expected to return to full training next week, along with Thomas Ahern (thing) and Roman Salanoa (ankle).