Rugby: Munster wing Doug Howlett has been ruled out of the rest the season with an Achilles injury.

The former New Zealand international will require surgery on the injury he sustained against the Ospreys on Saturday and will need “a recuperation period then of six to eight months”.

There was some good news for Munster fans today, however, with Keith Earls expected to resume training next week with a view to a comeback in the home leg of the Heineken Cup double-header against Scarlets on December 18th.

Also due back from injury are Peter Borlase (back) and Dave O'Callaghan (knee). Both might play in the British & Irish Cup game in Tralee on Saturday.

Munster’s first Pool One meeting with Scarlets will take place in Llanelli on Saturday (3.40pm).