Rugby:Munster captain and wing Doug Howlett and fullback Felix Jones successfully underwent minor knee scopes and should be back in contention for action in early March.
Stephen Archer who limped out of the Musgrave Park game against Cardiff with a dead leg and as a result missed the Heineken Cup rounds five and six is expected back training next week. He is likely to miss the Edinburgh game. James Downey (rib cartilage) is also recovering well but like Archer may find that the Edinburgh game next Saturday week a little too soon for him.
Sean Scanlon (back) and Barry O’Mahony (groin) would be expected to resume training in a month while Niall Ronan and Luke O’Dea should both be involved in limited training next week hopeful of a return to action sometime later in February.
Danny Barnes who bruised ribs in the British & Irish win over Plymouth Albion a fortnight ago is on the easy list this week and Dave O’Callaghan (knee) injured in the same game will have his progress monitored on a weekly basis before a decision on his return is made.
