Munster hopeful of Peter O'Mahony return for Exeter

Peter O'Mahony is one of seven players Munster could have back in contention for this Sunday's crucial Investec Champions Cup trip to the Exeter Chiefs.

The now former captain picked up a shoulder injury in the province's 10-3 win against the Stormers last month but has returned to modified training this week, and his availability will be determined in the coming days.

Hooker Diarmuid Barron should be available to take on the Premiership side. The 25-year-old sat out last Saturday's draw against Bayonne due to a neck complaint, but has also resumed training according to the latest squad update. Barron was togged out as a reserve at Thomond Park and took a full part in their pre-game warm-up at the weekend, which bodes well for his chances of featuring against Exeter.

Simon Zebo (knee/illness), Patrick Campbell (ankle), Shane Daly (ankle), Oli Jager (leg) and academy lock Edwin Edogbo (neck) have been reintegrated to training this week, in a boost to head coach Graham Rowntree.

Versatile back Seán O'Brien is a doubt to face his former side on Sunday, however. The Westmeath man is following the return to play protocols for a concussion sustained in the first half of Saturday's 17-17 draw.

Antoine Frisch is likely to return to the side after being rested against Bayonne.

Munster are on the back foot in Pool 3 after their disappointing draw against the French side on Saturday, however a win against the 2021 champions would put them back into a promising position in the pool, particularly after Toulon and Glasgow both fell to home defeats in the opening round of games.

Follow a live blog on Exeter v Munster in the Champions Cup on Saturday from 1pm on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app or listen to radio commentary on Saturday on