While Munster remain non-committal about the fitness of Irish second row Paul O'Connell, he could be considered doubtful for the province's Heineken European Cup final against Leicester at the Millennium Stadium on May 25th.
There is also some concern over wing Anthony Horgan following injuries picked up in Munster's final interprovincial match against Ulster last Friday.
O'Connell, who left Belfast on crutches, underwent an MRI scan on his ankle on Monday, which revealed that he had damaged ligaments. The dynamic lock, who has been one of the finds of the season, has come off the crutches and has 10 days to be fit for Cardiff.
O'Connell landed awkwardly catching a high ball early in the second half against Ulster, while Horgan has suffered a recurrence of a shoulder injury that had sidelined him at the beginning of the season.
Coach Declan Kidney, however, is not inclined at this stage to detail which players are doubtful or likely to play in the cup final.
"Paul (O'Connell) won't under go any weight bearing until the end of this week, while Anthony (Horgan), I think, has bruising to his shoulder," said Kidney.
"It's the same injury as he (Horgan) had earlier this year. But with so many bangs and bruises in the squad with various guys I don't want to say who is doubtful and who is not, otherwise I might be accused of scaremongering. It will be next week before we are able to decide anything, when we see how the players are then."
Jim Williams, who, due to a calf muscle injury, has been absent from the Munster back row since before the semi-final against Castres, has just started jogging.
Leinster, meanwhile, have rewarded three young players who have had outstanding seasons with their clubs. Full provincial contracts have been offered to UCD scrumhalf Brian O'Riordan, back row Des Dillon and Blackrock outside centre Gary Brown .
Brown was the top try scorer in division one this season, while both O'Riordan and Dillon were instrumental in the university side's effective and attractive brand of rugby in the All-Ireland League, where they narrowly missed out in gaining a place in the play-offs at the end of the season.
Emmet Farrell, who has had a miserable two seasons with cruciate ligament problems, has been offered a training contract by coach Matt Williams while he recovers from his latest injury, and Adam Magro, who was on a one-year agreement, has again signed for the province.
Leinster also hope to sign an Australian, now playing his club rugby in France, over the next couple of days as cover because of the continuing concern over the fitness of Farrell at outhalf.
Going in the other direction Trevor Brennan has been released from his contract.
At club level, Terenure College have appointed Kim Thurbon as first team coach. Thurbon moves from Carlow, where he has been for the last three seasons, and has signed a two-year contract. He takes over from player/coach Kevin Putt, who recently moved to a coaching job in South Africa with Natal Sharks.
Leicester back row Adam Balding, who was sent off recently against Bristol, must serve a 14-day suspension. However, he will be available for the European Cup final as his suspension takes effect from last Friday.
