Essex added to Munster squad

HOLDERS Munster have registered former Ireland under-21 hooker Michael Essex in their squad for the knock-out stages of the Heineken Cup - the 24-year-old Shannon hooker Essex has been on the replacements’ bench for Munster in the three of the most recent Magners League games.
Clubs involved in the knock-out stages of the Heineken Cup may nominate up to three additional players allowing a maximum squad of 41 players. Munster’s Heineken Cup quarter-final opponents on Easter Sunday, the Ospreys, have added two forwards and a back to their squad.
Jonathan Spratt, who spent the early part of the season playing at centre or full-back for Taranaki, provides new options behind the scrum and Samoan international lock Filipo Levi and Bridgend Ravens hooker Scott Baldwin will do the same up front.
Meanwhile Munster are due to confirm the make-up of their squad for Saturday’s crunch top-of-the-table Magners League clash with Leinster at Thomond Park later today.
Munster report no fresh injury worries in the wake of Friday night’s bonus-point win over the Glasgow Warriors at Firhill.
Long-term injury victims Rua Tipoki and Ian Dowling could feature in Tony McGahan’s squad to face great rivals Leinster.
Saturday night’s tie which will attract a capacity attendance will get underway at 7.30pm - the game is being televised live on Setanta.
Munster currently enjoy a three-point lead over Michael Cheika’s Leinster side with five series of matches to play.
While Munster will enjoy home advantage for four of their final five league games Leinster face three away fixtures during the same period.
Speaking in the wake of his side’s impressive 26-13 victory over the Warriors in Firhill, Munster coach McGahan agreed the win was a timely one ahead of this Saturday night’s all-Irish showdown.


“We have had a very good Six Nations preparation while the international players have been away,” Tony McGahan said.
“We have had two very good results against Edinburgh and the Dragons, so it was important that we continued the momentum against Glasgow.
“There are still plenty of games remaining, but it is certainly a wonderful way to go into the match next week (with Leinster).”
“I wouldn’t say it was easy at all against Glasgow.
“They are a very difficult side to play against away from home.
“Our record here hasn’t been great, so we are delighted with the result.
“It’s some time since an Irish team has won at Firhill.”

Colm Kinsella