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06th Jan 2014

Murray back for Munster while Ruddock sits out Leinster training

With the Heineken Cup about to kick off for its final set of Pool games, here’s all the latest injury news

JOE

With the Heineken Cup about to kick off for its final set of Pool games, here’s all the latest injury news

And just like that, the Heineken Cup reaches its decisive phase. Two games over nine days, starting on Friday, will settle who plays who and where in the knock-out phase and the Irish provinces will be anxious to try and secure that all-important home quarter-final.

Munster have arguably the toughest task of any of the Irish sides this week as they travel to England to face Gloucester. A win would surely secure top spot in Pool 6 and they have been boosted by the news today that scrum half Conor Murray is back in training and there is a chance he will be able to play some part at Kingsholm.

Simon Zebo and Donncha O’Callaghan are also expected to be back on the training field this week, though their playing status remains unclear. Other walking wounded, like James Downey, Keith Earls and JJ Hanrahan, should also return to work this week.

Up in Leinster, the biggest doubt is Rhys Ruddock. A calf strain kept him out of training today but he is expected to be available to face Castres on Sunday. With the likes of Sean O’Brien and Cian Healy long-to-mid-term absences, Matt O’Connor will be hoping Ruddock is fit for action.

Don’t forget to get involved with the Heineken Star Predictor ‘Get in The Game’ where you can put your rugby knowledge to the test by predicting the outcome of this weekend’s games. The top prize is a pair of VIP tickets to the 2014 Heineken Cup Final in Cardiff and there are other prizes to be won throughout the season. Click here to start predicting.