RUGBY: Munster confirmed their own worst suspicions yesterday when revealing that Anthony Horgan have joined David Wallace and Paul O'Connell on the long-term injury list. Like the latter two, Horgan must undergo an operation on his troublesome shoulder which could also rule him out of action for up to six months, writes Gerry Thornley.
It is a cruel triple whammy for the European Cup finalists and their new coach Alan Gaffney before the season even starts. Compounding Munster's sense of frustration will be the thought that all these injuries took until just before the season started to diagnose.
As with O'Connell and Wallace, Horgan will will probably miss the province's half dozen pool matches in the European Cup as well as the Celtic League programme - and all the players will be ruled out of consideration for the six internationals this side of the New Year. So the Munster management face the awkward problem of whether they should register each or any of the injured trio.
"As is the case with both Paul O'Connell and David Wallace, a decision on whether he (Horgan) will be registered for the Heineken Cup will not be made until the deadline date of September 20th," said team manager Jerry Holland.
Gaffney was understandably disappointed with the news: "It's a real shame for Anthony. I was expecting a big season for him."
Of comparatively less concern to the Irish management will be the withdrawal of Brian O'Driscoll and Neil Doak from next week's Irish training camp. O'Driscoll, who has a slight ankle strain, will be replaced by Mike Mullins, while Doak, who has a groin strain, will be replaced by Brian O'Meara (Leinster).
In a novel development, Leinster will next week send out application forms for season tickets for the province's games this season. There are two types of season tickets available, the first of which grants membership to the Leinster Lions Club.
Costing €300 each, with a limit of 200, this will encompass reserved seating at Donnybrook for seven home matches (three European Cup, three Celtic League and one Interprovincial) as well as other perks.
The second entails membership of the Blue and Gold Club, at a cost of €120 (again there is a limit of 200). This encompasses reserved standing area in front of the stand for seven home matches as well as priority on ground tickets for play-off and away matches.
Anyone interested can email www.leinsterrugby.ie or send in full contact details to: Marion Horan, Membership Services, Leinster Branch IRFU, 30 Main Street, Donnybrook, Dublin 4.
