What was thought to be a career-ending injury to Leinster's Nathan Spooner has transpired to be overly pessimistic. The Australian outhalf, who had to undergo shoulder reconstruction surgery in the past, has been told by doctors that the same injured shoulder can be repaired with an operation and that he will be able to play rugby next season.
Much to the relief of Leinster coach Matt Williams, it is thought the 26-year-old could be back playing in November of this year.
"We thought it could have been the end of his career," said Williams. "We are greatly relieved for him that the news is better than we anticipated. Nathan has not enjoyed his rugby as much this season as he has since his school days. He really wants to stay in Ireland and continue playing with Leinster."
Meanwhile, Munster will not be in a position to name their team to face Castres in the Heineken European Cup semi-final until Friday. European Rugby Cup regulations decree that the province withhold naming the side until then when they join their French opposition in a communal press conference at Stade de la Mediterranee in Beziers.
Munster are likely to name the travelling party today but will not decide on the fitness of Peter Clohessy, Paul O'Connell, John Hayes or Ronan O'Gara until later in the week. The veteran prop Clohessy has not ruled himself out but has been unable to go into contact in training with the squad while second row Paul O'Connell is recovering from a shoulder injury. Both are doubtful. Prop John Hayes, who has eight stitches to a neck wound and outhalf O'Gara are expected to be fit enough to take their places in the starting line-up.
At Castres New Zealander Norman Berryman has not trained all week due to a haemotoma on his thigh. The highly-rated centre, however, is expected to line out on Saturday. Castres report no other injuries.
Meanwhile Donal Courtney (37) from Dublin, has been included in the IRB International Referees panel for the first time, joining Alan Lewis, David McHugh and Alain Rolland in a busy summer schedule.
He has been awarded two World Cup qualifying games in September as referee and a number of other matches as a touch judge. Lewis, McHugh and Rolland will be involved in top-line matches in South Africa, Canada and Argentina.
Giulio de Santis yesterday became the first Italian to be appointed as an International Rugby Board Test referee. He will take charge of the World Cup qualifier between the USA and Uruguay on August 15th and then run touch for Argentina's tour matches against France and England.
Meanwhile, Australian star Tim Horan has undergone surgery on the fractured wrist that will sideline him from Saracens' remaining English Premiership games.
Horan was hurt during the league defeat at Sale last Friday, and faces six weeks out. He has had a plate inserted to stabilise the fracture, and was due to be discharged from hospital last night.
Saracens, who are still not out of relegation trouble, visit Northampton on Saturday, followed by a trip to Newcastle before winding up their league campaign at home to Bristol on May 12th.
