Cloete return boosts Munster ahead of Ospreys visit

Munster have confirmed that back row forward Chris Cloete has returned to full team training after a long spell on the sidelines.

Cloete sustained a forearm fracture injury last February but it’s a groin problem that has kept him out of Munster’s pre-season and opening two Guinness Pro14 games. He returned to team training on Monday and could feature against the Ospreys on Friday.

Elsewhere, the news is not so good on the injury front with Neil Cronin expected to be out of action for a number of weeks with a shoulder problem that he picked up in the defeat to Glasgow Warriors last weekend.

Cronin left the game in the first half and Munster confirmed that the scrum half and Billy Holland (rib cartilage) will be treated by the province’s medical department for their injuries.

Munster have also confirmed that Conor Murray is also continuing to follow rehabilitation for a neck injury under supervision of the medical department but there is no timeline on when he is to likely to return.

The province have also confirmed that Jeremy Loughman and Jack Daly were treated for suspected concussion during the Munster A game and will undergo the return-to-play protocols.

In contract news, Tipperary prop Cronan Gleeson has signed a three-month development contract with the province.

Along with Murray, Kevin O’Byrne (calf), Tyler Bleyendaal (neck), Conor Oliver (toe), Niall Scannell (Shoulder), Chris Farrell (knee), Liam O’Connor (knee), Jack O’Donoghue (knee), and Ronan O’Mahony (ankle) remain on the treatment table.