Lima returns after luckless stay

Rugby News: Brian Lima has returned to his native Samoa without ever playing a match for Munster.

Lima had joined the Irish province in March under ERC rules allowing amendments to Heineken European Cup squads but injured a quadricep muscle in training in the week leading up to the quarter-final game against Biarritz.

It was originally anticipated that the injury would heal in time to allow the Samoan play a part in the latter stages of the Celtic League but that has not proved to be the case. Whilst he had resumed training with the Munster squad it was felt he would not have a realistic chance of taking part in the remainder of the Celtic Cup competition.

Munster coach Alan Gaffney confirmed: "Bringing Brian in when we did was, I believe, the right thing to do. I think most clubs would have done the same in the circumstances. Unfortunately, he picked up that injury and that's something you just cannot legislate for. I was disappointed and I know he was also because he was looking forward to fulfilling a role for us.

"But that's the way it goes. He was back training but at this stage I don't think I could have considered playing him, so I think it only fair that he be allowed home to his family."

Munster trained yesterday in preparation for their Celtic Cup semi-final against Leinster at Lansdowne Road on Sunday, a session in which Marcus Horan, who took a bang on the wrist in the win over Edinburgh, and Ronan O'Gara took a full part.

Gaffney admitted: "I am delighted with the progress Rog has made. His rehab has done extremely well although at this stage it is still too early to say if he will be involved on Sunday. He is very close to being right but we'll wait till later in the week to decide whether or not to include him in the squad."

Meanwhile, Gavin Duffy is due to have contract talks with NEC Harlequins tomorrow to sort out where he will be playing his rugby next season. He recently signed a two-year extension to his contract but the club's relegation from the English Premiership last weekend means that he can reconsider his position.

He had a clause inserted in his contract that would allow him to move on if the club was relegated. Connacht, Munster and Leinster would all be keen to talk to the talented young fullback and former Ireland schools captain, who can also play centre and wing.

Duffy pointed out: "Everybody at the club is trying to come to terms with the reality of relegation. It was bitterly disappointing to go down. We needed a few breaks last week but just did not get them. But at this stage there is no point in complaining. We must now adjust to what has happened and deal with it. Management are sitting down with each player this week and decisions will be taken from there.

"I recently signed a two-year extension to my contract but, like every other player, I will see how the talks go later this week with the club. It has not been easy for anyone associated with the club, but it is important that everyone keeps an open mind."

Leinster's Aidan McCullen is being pursued by French club Clermont Auvergne (formerly known as Montferrand) with a view to the flanker signing a two-year deal.

McCullen, a fluent French speaker, is expected to consider this option as his Leinster career has stalled somewhat in the latter part of the season.