The Peter O'Mahony update Munster fans didn't want to hear

Preparations at Munster for next Saturday’s United Rugby Championship derby away at Leinster have been dealt a massive blow as two Ireland forwards, including Peter O’Mahony, have been ruled out.

The veteran back-rower and tighthead Oli Jager were starters in last Saturday’s rain-sodden win over Ospreys. However, both made early first-half exits in the 23-0 win in Cork and will now miss the trip to Croke Park, a fixture that has more than 70,000 tickets sold.

An injury update on Tuesday read: “The Munster squad started preparations on Monday ahead of Saturday’s URC round four clash against Leinster at Croke Park (5.45pm). In player news, Sean O’Brien returns from the Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa ahead of Saturday’s game.

“Following Munster’s win over Ospreys on Saturday, Oli Jager (neck) and Peter O’Mahony (hamstring) are both going for scans and are unavailable this weekend. Mike Haley has a leg contusion and his availability will be determined later in the week.

“There is good news for Tom Ahern (ankle) and Alex Nankivell (shoulder) as they are both returning to training this week. Their respective availability for Croke Park will be determined later in the week.

“Ruadhan Quinn is following the return to play protocols and his availability will be determined later in the week. Billy Burns is increasing his training exposure this week and the out-half’s availability will be determined later in the week.

“Shane Daly is unlikely to be available this week as he continues to recover from an elbow injury. Thaakir Abrahams sustained a low-grade thigh injury against Zebre and is unavailable this week.

“Long-term absentees Rory Scannell (ankle) and Paddy Patterson (knee) are making good progress and will increase their training exposure this week. Patrick Campbell will have surgery on a shoulder injury he sustained in AIL action last month. Josh Wycherley will visit a specialist this week for a neck injury.”