Munster Rugby: Two arrivals, three contract extensions confirmed

Munster Rugby and the IRFU have confirmed the contract extensions for Tom Ahern, Calvin Nash and Fineen Wycherley while prop John Ryan returns as short-term injury cover and Irish-qualified centre Oli Morris joins the province until the end of the season.

John Ryan returns to the Province following the ankle injury to Stephen Archer. He has signed a three-month contract with Munster after his time with Wasps came to an end last week as the Premiership side was placed into administration.

Joining Ryan is former Ireland U20s centre Oli Morri who was in a similar position when Worcester Warriors entered into administration at the end of September. The 23-year-old links up with the squad this week and has signed on until the end of the season.

The senior trio of Ahern, Nash and Wycherley have all signed two-year contract extensions. 

Waterford native Tom Ahern made his senior debut against the Dragons in November 2020 in his final year of the Academy. The 22-year-old most recently impressed on the Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa and has been included in the Ireland ‘A’ panel ahead of the November clash against the All Blacks XV. The towering lock, a product of Dungarvan RFC and Waterpark RFC, has made 23 appearances scoring two tries.

Winger Calvin Nash is another who made an impact on the recent Emerging Ireland tour and his form has been rewarded with a first Ireland squad inclusion for the Autumn Nations Series. The 25-year-old has lined out on 39 occasions for the province scoring seven tries after making his debut against Edinburgh in February 2017. The Limerick speedster played his club and schools rugby with Young Munster RFC and Crescent College Comprehensive respectively.

Former Academy Player of the Year Fineen Wycherley was capped for Ireland against the USA in the Summer Series in July 2021. The 24-year-old has been an integral member of the Munster squad for the last number of seasons making 88 appearances to date, playing across the second row and back row. The West Cork native is currently rehabbing a shoulder injury.

MUNSTER INJURY UPDATE:

Stephen Archer will undergo surgery today having suffered an ankle injury against Bulls last week.

Following the weekend’s action, Jack O’Sullivan (knee), Liam Coombes (hamstring) and Tom Ahern (shoulder) will all go for MRI scans this week with O’Sullivan expected to be unavailable for the medium term. Jean Kleyn will go for a scan on a rib injury today and his availability will be determined later in the week.

The eight Munster players selected for Ireland’s Bank of Ireland Nations Series fixtures travel to Dublin today. In positive news, Simon Zebo (calf), Mike Haley (groin) and Roman Salanoa (head) will all return to full team training this week.

Academy lock Edwin Edogbo (calf) is progressing with his rehab and his availability will be determined later in the week. Alex Kendellen will increase his exposure to full team training with a view to returning in the next few weeks.

Unavailable: RG Snyman (knee), Jack Daly (knee), Alex Kendellen (head), Paddy Kelly (head), Keith Earls (thigh), Andrew Conway (knee), Fineen Wycherley (shoulder), Antoine Frisch (calf).