Gavin Coombes leaves the field for a HIA with Dr. Jamie Kearns. INPHO/James Crombie

The Munster squad have commenced preparations at the High Performance Centre ahead of Saturday’s sold-out Guinness PRO14 clash with Leinster at Thomond Park (6pm).

The Munster squad have commenced preparations at the High Performance Centre ahead of Saturday’s sold-out Guinness PRO14 clash with Leinster at Thomond Park (6pm).

Following Saturday’s win against Connacht at the Sportsground, Gavin Coombes will follow the graduated return to play protocols this week after departing for a HIA in the opening ten minutes.

With 12 players attending the Ireland gathering at the IRFU’s High Performance Centre over the last 24 hours, returning players available for this week’s provincial training will link up with the squad on Thursday in UL.

Joey Carbery, who has been rehabbing an ankle injury, is expected to take part in the scheduled session.

Under medical review: Tadhg Beirne (ankle), John Ryan (calf), Rhys Marshall (knee), Tyler Bleyendaal (neck), Ciaran Parker (calf), Darren Sweetnam (hamstring).

Academy Players in BOI Munster Senior Challenge Cup Action

The Academy’s Seán French and Alex McHenry started for Cork Con in Friday’s Senior Challenge Cup final against Young Munster. French added two long-range penalties in the 24-17 victory.

Alan Tynan started at 15 for Young Munster with Academy colleague Josh Wycherley making an appearance off the bench.

Read the full match report or view the game footage here.