O'Connell's clean bill of health is a major boost for Munster

PAUL O’CONNELL’S first hour of rugby since May will have put him in better condition for Munster’s Heineken Cup match against Edinburgh in Thomond Park on Sunday. The Irish secondrow reported no ill effects from his action against Racing Metro, which is good news for both Munster coach Rob Penney and Irish coach Declan Kidney.

Kidney will be equally pleased that Ulster and Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris hopes to be fit to play in Friday night’s Heineken Cup tie against Glasgow. The 27-year-old had a scan yesterday morning following the back spasm last week prior to Ulster’s win over Castres. Ferris had treatment on Sunday as well as yesterday and a final decision on his availability for the trip to Scotstoun will be made later in the week.

The news for outhalf Ronan O’Gara (hamstring) is not so good following a leg scan. Nothing more positive emerged from that and it is expected that he will not be fit to take part in the game at the weekend, having limped out of the match in Paris.

Secondrow Donncha O’Callaghan is progressing well in his recovery from his hamstring strain he sustained in the Leinster game but O’Callaghan, along with Niall Ronan (groin), will need to come through training this week before a decision can be made on their participation.

Felix Jones looks fit enough for selection after he took a full part in the British and Irish Cup victory over Plymouth while Ian Nagles also made a return. Both Munster players could be available for selection for the second pool match against Michael Bradley’s team Edinburgh.

Both Luke O’Dea and Johne Murphy are likely to come into Penney’s consideration. Murphy travelled to Paris as back-up at the weekend while O’Dea has recovered from a bout of illness. James Coughlan (groin), Ivan Dineen (groin), Keith Earls (groin), Seán Scanlon (back) continue to undergo rehabilitation.

In Ulster Nick Williams, who missed the Castres game, is said to be responding well to treatment on a rib injury, with Robbie Diack, Michael Allen and Declan Fitzpatrick all returning to light training yesterday. While the three are not expected to make the squad for the Glasgow game, Ulster are hopeful that their backrow options will be strengthened with the return of Ferris and Williams.

In Connacht Eric Elwood came away from Italy with a win over Zebre and no major injuries. The squad did not train yesterday, although there are concerns over two of their young guns, Eoin Griffin and Robbie Henshaw, who both picked up ankle injuries. The two players will continue to be assessed throughout the week ahead of Friday’s team announcement.

“We were happy with the win away from home in Europe and it was the great start we were looking for in our new campaign. We never underestimated how difficult it was going to be against Zebre and an away win in the Heineken is a great positive for us,” said Elwood.

“On reflection, we felt we left some chances and opportunities behind us particularly at the start of the second half when we were piling a lot of pressure on them in their 22.

“So we felt we could have had a better scoreline if we had taken those chances that we created. But, that being said, we take the win as a huge positive and it gives us great confidence going into this difficult task we have now at the weekend against ‘Quins,” added Elwood.

Dave McSharry and George Naoupu picked up a few knocks and bruises but Connacht expect that they will be available for Saturday.

The ERC has received a citing complaint against ASM Clermont Auvergne lock Nathan Hines, following their Pool 5 match against Scarlets at Stade Marcel Michelin on Saturday.

The former Leinster lock now playing in France is alleged to have stamped on Scarlets wing, Morgan Stoddart, during the first half of the match.

The complaint was made by citing commissioner John Cole (Ireland) and the hearing will take place on Thursday, October 18th.

Leinster face Clermont in their third pool match on December 9th in France.