Munster will be without key duo John Hodnett and Alex Kendellen for their upcoming Investec Champions Cup clash against Toulon, but could also see Ireland international Oli Jager return to the squad. 

Clayton McMillan’s side head to the Stade Felix Mayol third in Pool Two following one win and one loss in their opening two fixtures of the competition, but are level on points with Castres, Toulon, Gloucester and Edinburgh heading into round three. A victory and results elsewhere going their way could see them leapfrog Bath into top spot, though.

Munster without key duo as Oli Jager makes training return

The Irish side come into Sunday’s Investec Champions Cup clash looking to kickstart their season, following consecutive inter-pro defeats against Leinster and Ulster, and that defeat in Belfast has proved particularly costly too.

Back-rower Hodnett has since undergone minor thumb surgery in the aftermath of the 28-3 defeat at the Affidea Stadium, after coming off early in the first-half last weekend, with his return date yet to be confirmed at the time of writing. Fellow back-rower Kendellen suffered an ankle injury and will now undergo a period of rehabilitation with the club’s medical staff.

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However, there is some good news on the injury front for Munster, with centre Alex Nankivell available for the trip to France after overcoming a knock in the Ulster clash.

Oli Jager is also in the frame to make a return to action this weekend, but the club have detailed his ‘availability is to be determined’ later in the week. The tighthead prop, who has one Ireland cap to his name, has not featured for the province since their URC clash against Edinburgh back in October, but has made a return to training this week after overcoming a head knock.

Elsewhere, Munster have confirmed Mark Donnelly has returned to the club following a brief loan stint with English Championship side Ealing Trailfinders.

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