Munster prepare for intensive pre-season camp

MEMBERS of the Munster rugby squad and backroom team jet out to Portugal this week for an intensive seven-day training camp as the Magners League champions step up their preparations for the new season.
For the past two years, Munster have conducted their pre-season training camp in the United States - last year in Boston and the year previous in Chicago - but this time around it’s a week-long stint in Portugal beginning this Wednesday.
The squad will be based at the Browns Sport & Leisure Club in Vilamoura, an exclusive sports training facility.
Established in 1986 as a tennis club, Browns was completely renovated in 2000 as part of a two phase-project.
On completion in December 2002, the venue now boasts 30 villas with a maximum capacity of 105 athletes in a total area of 53,000 sq. meters and a grass pitch of 120 sq. meters x 80 sq. meters, plus all the requisite gym facilities.
Among those who have used the facility in the past are the Kerry, Mayo and Monaghan GAA teams, several leading rugby clubs including ASM Clermont Auvergne and Saracens while Martin Johnson brought his senior elite English squad to the facility in January of this year.
On their return from Portugal Munster are straight into action with a pre-season game against the Sale Sharks in Musgrave Park on Friday week, August 14, followed by the visit again to Cork of London Irish on August 21. Both games at Musgrave Park have 7pm kick-off times.
Munster complete their programme of three pre-season friendlies with a trip to Welford Road to face the Leicester Tigers on August 28.
Meanwhile the kick-off times and actual dates have been confirmed for the first ten rounds of the Magners League.
Round one sees holders Munster travel to Firhill to face the Glasgow Warriors on Friday, September 4 at 8pm.
Munster play their first home game in the competition a week later, on September 11, when Tony McGahan’s men host the Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park (7.05pm).
In all Thomond Park will host six of Munster’s home Magners League ties this season with Musgrave Park hosting three.
Thomond Park season tickets are now available to buy for the six Magners League matches in Limerick, against Cardiff, Ulster, Connacht, Glasgow, Leinster and the Ospreys.
Supporters can book their place now with prices from €120 and by securing their seat with a Thomond Park season ticket, supporters can benefit from a 10 per cent discount on normal ticket prices.
Round four sees a move to Musgrave Park to face Newport Gwent Dragons on Sunday, September 27 at 5.05pm. The remaining Musgrave Park fixtures, against the Scarlets and Edinburgh, will take place in the new year.
Munster have announced that Danny Riordan has been given a short-term contract with the province. Twenty-four-year-old Riordan, who has been training with Munster for the past few weeks, has played 23 times for Connacht in the Magners League and 14 times in the Challenge Cup. Riordan comes into the Munster squad as a replacement for Ciaran O’Boyle while he recovers from a hamstring injury.
O’Boyle had an operation yesterday to repair the damaged hamstring and will be out of action until January.
Munster team manager, Shaun Payne said: “Danny has fitted in really well. He’ll be with us until the New Year at least. We’re giving him a chance to prove if he can come through which we think he’s capable of doing.”

Colm Kinsella