Munster and Ireland second row Paul O'Connell is set to return to action with club side Young Munster.
O'Connell, who has played 70 times for Ireland and six times for the Lions, will line out for his local club against Limerick rivals Shannon in a Division 1A All-Ireland League encounter on Friday evening.
The Munster captain has been sidelined with a groin problem since last March but gradually increased his training in recent weeks.
A successful return could put O'Connell on track for a return to Magners League action against Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park on 4 December.
And he may then be available for Munster's critically important Heineken Cup clash against the Ospreys in Limerick on 12 December.
