Rugby:Munster hooker Jerry Flannery will undergo an MRI scan on the calf muscle he injured late in his comeback appearance against Ulster in the Magners League on Saturday.
The good news for Flannery is that it is not the same calf that has kept him sidelined for the best part of a year, but as yet the extent of the new injury is unknown.
Flannery replaced Damien Varley in the 54 minute at Thomond Park, having played 40 minutes in a club game for Shannon the previous weekend and also come through Irish squad training during the week.
However, he pulled up in obvious pain during the final passage of play that lead to Lifiemi Mafi’s bonus-point try.
The injury is not only a worry for Munster, with Heineken Cup games against Toulon and London Irish on the horizon, but also for Ireland as preparations for the Six Nations intensify.
As things stand Munster have only two registered hookers eligible for the Heineken Cup in Varley and Mike Sherry. They have an option of registering a third hooker but would have to de-register another player to retain the 38 squad limit before next Tuesday night’s deadline.
If Flannery is ruled out, Sean Henry is likely to be promoted.