Ireland flyhalf Jack Crowley set for early recall?

Jack Crowley may return to action for Munster earlier than anticipated if there is a negative update on fellow flyhalf Billy Burns’ shoulder injury.

Burns - who made his debut for Munster in the 35-33 win over Connacht on Saturday - left the field in the second half with an AC joint injury. Head coach Graham Rowntree confirmed that the medical team will provide a definitive update on Burns’ condition today [Monday].

Munster’s first-choice flyhalf Crowley was initially scheduled to return on October 5th against Ospreys as he and other Irish internationals were given extended recovery time after the summer tour to South Africa.

However, if Burns is ruled out for this weekend's match against Zebre Parma, Munster may need to bring Crowley back sooner than planned due to a shortage of flyhalves.

Tony Butler (who replaced Burns in Saturday’s game) performed well and kicked two crucial conversions. Munster may, however, look to the experienced Crowley to fill the gap if Burns is unavailable.

The 24-year-old started in the No10 jersey in both of Ireland's July Tests against South Africa this year, playing the full match in the first and an hour in the second as Andy Farrell's side came away with a 1-1 series draw with the world champions.

Rowntree acknowledged last week that there is flexibility within IRFU player management rules, which could allow Munster to call on Crowley earlier than expected.

“There's a hard and fast rule around round 3, but having said that there will be dispensation on an individual basis, depending on how skinny you are in certain positions," said Rowntree. "We'll see what Monday brings, the majority are back in round three, but it depends on how skinny we are in certain positions,” Rowntree said on Saturday night.

"It's on an individual basis, you saw Friday with Leinster's selection, it's an individual basis and that's good sense. We'll see what Monday brings."