The Munster squad have started their preparations at the High Performance Centre ahead of Saturday evening’s Champions Cup clash against Saracens at Thomond Park (5.30pm).

The Munster squad have started their preparations at the High Performance Centre ahead of Saturday evening’s Champions Cup clash against Saracens at Thomond Park (5.30pm).

Due to the demand for tickets to the game, pitchside seating has been installed at Thomond Park to increase the capacity of the ground to 26,267.

Buy match tickets from €25 here.

On the injury front, there were no fresh concerns following the weekend’s rugby with 23 players in PRO14 action and 14 senior and Academy players lining out for their clubs in the All Ireland League.

After undergoing a scan last week, Jeremy Loughman will not require surgery on the ankle injury he sustained against Racing 92 but will be managed conservatively by the medical staff.

Joey Carbery is progressing well with his rehabilitation from an ankle injury and is in line to make a return towards the end of the month.

Tyler Bleyendaal, who recently presented with neck stiffness, will be given a number of weeks to rest in taking every precaution with his recovery.

Continuing to rehab: Jeremy Loughman (ankle), Tyler Bleyendaal (neck), Chris Cloete (RTPP), Dave Kilcoyne (calf), Joey Carbery (ankle), Ciaran Parker (calf), Darren Sweetnam (hamstring).

Munster Players In All Ireland League Action

14 Munster players lined out for their clubs in the All Ireland League at the weekend, 12 Academy and two senior players.

Academy duo Alex McHenry and Seán French helped Cork Constitution make it seven wins from seven with their 35-19 victory over Ballynahinch.

Liam Coombes scored two tries and Diarmuid Barron touched down once for Garryowen in their 27-14 win away at Terenure College. Fellow Academy players Jack Stafford and Jack Daly and senior man Seán O’Connor also lined out for Garryowen.

Alan Tynan touched down twice for Young Munster with senior man Gavin Coombes also on the scoresheet as they beat Dublin University 28-24 at Tom Clifford Park. Academy man Josh Wycherley started in the Young Munster front row.

Academy trio Jack O’Sullivan, James French and John Hodnett were in action for UCC as they were beaten 24-10 by UCD at the Mardyke.

Academy man Thomas Ahern touched down for Shannon in their 24-20 loss to Old Wesley at Thomond Park.

Next Home Game

Saturday, December 7

CHAMPIONS CUP: Munster v Saracens, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; Buy tickets here