Rua Tipoki has been named in a 25-strong Munster squad for the Magners League clash at a full house Thomond Park on Saturday evening (7.30pm)
Tipoki limped out of the game against the All Blacks on 18 November with a knee injury but returns ahead of schedule.
According to team manager Shaun Payne his early return is due to ‘the professionalism of the player himself and the superb work of our medical and fitness staff’.
As Munster look to get their Magners League ambitions back on track following defeat in Galway last Sunday, they once again make full use of their squad with Kieran Lewis, Ronan O'Gara, Denis Fogarty, Jerry Flannery, Donncha O'Callaghan and John O'Sullivan all returning having missed the game against Connacht.
With Frank Sheahan ruled out until the end of January after suffering a shoulder injury against Connacht, Munster include three hookers and while there is no place for the likes of Paul O'Connell, Marcus Horan, Tomas O'Leary or Ian Dowling, all are well and likely to be included in the squad for the trip to Wales next week.
Payne explained: ‘This is a busy time of year with a succession of very important, very intense games. So it's important we use or resources prudently not alone for our own sake but also keeping in mind the international players workload with the Six Nations just a little over four weeks away.’
Payne also reports that Denis Leamy is rehabbing well and on schedule for a possible return at the end of January
Munster squad to face Ulster in the Magners League on Saturday, 3 January, Thomond Park, kick-off 7.30pm.
Forwards: F Pucciariello, D Fogarty, J Flannery, M Essex, T Ryan, J Hayes, M O'Driscoll, D O'Callaghan, D Ryan, A Quinlan, J O'Sullivan, N Ronan, N Williams, J Coughlan,
Backs: K Earls, D Hurley, D Howlett, B Murphy, R Tipoki, L Mafi, K Lewis, P Warwick, R O'Gara, M Prendergast, P Stringer
