McMillan says Sharks prep continues

Munster head coach Clayton McMillan stated on Tuesday that squad preparations for the upcoming European Rugby Champions Cup fixture remain unchanged.

The team prepares for a match against the Sharks at Thomond Park on Saturday. This contest marks Munster’s final game before the November international break. The schedule has not been altered despite ongoing disciplinary proceedings involving a rival player.

The disciplinary process centers on Leinster prop Tadhg Furlong. He faces a hearing following an allegation by Munster forward Gavin Coombes. Coombes claimed that Furlong grabbed his groin during Leinster’s 24-18 victory at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday. Match officials did not identify the incident during the game. Match citing commissioner Peter Ferguson lodged a formal complaint on Monday regarding the alleged event.

The URC confirmed that Furlong will appear before a disciplinary panel via video conference on Thursday. The panel consists of chairperson Simon Thomas from Wales, Attie Heyns from South Africa, and Pamela Woodman from Scotland. If the panel upholds the allegation, Furlong could receive a suspension that may affect his availability for Ireland’s November international matches.

McMillan noted that Coombes returned to training on Monday and is focused on the Sharks visit. The coach expressed confidence that players do not make such allegations lightly. He stated that the matter is now in the hands of the judicial committee and beyond Munster's direct control. McMillan said the citing commissioner saw a case to answer after the game, which has been proven by the subsequent complaint.

Injury concerns also affect Munster’s squad for Saturday. Shane Daly will miss the match after suffering a concussion against Leinster. Seán O’Brien is also out with a groin injury. The coaching staff is evaluating the return status of several recovered players, including Jeremy Loughman, Lee Barron, Diarmuid Barron, Edwin Edogbo, and Jack Aungier. Will Harrison is also in contention to add experience to the backline. McMillan said the decision to play these players depends on weighing immediate need against the benefit of extra recovery time during the break.

The team has also brought in Rob Russell as short-term cover in the outside backs. Russell, a former Ireland under-20 international who previously played for Leinster and Gloucester, will not feature against the Sharks. He joined alongside Hubert Gilvarry to provide additional depth after a run of injuries in that position. McMillan said both players have settled in well. He acknowledged that the concentration of injuries in specific positions has limited options, but noted the upcoming break offers an opportunity for several players to return.