Munster head coach Graham Rowntree says he may explore the possibility of a short-term signing, as their injury problems continue.
Rowntree was without at least 15 members of his squad due to injury for Saturday's 27-13 defeat to Leinster at the Aviva Stadium, while Joey Carbery, Thomas Ahern, Jack O'Sullivan and Liam Coombes all appeared to suffer knocks during the game.
While they only have one more fixture before the Test break next month, the province's resources have been spread thin in recent weeks, and the head coach says he may look to add reinforcements.
"Potentially, we'll dust ourselves down, and maybe look at that," he replied, when asked if a short-term signing could be on the cards.
The physical toll of Saturday's game forced a number of his players to adapt to different positions, with Gavin Coombes spending time in the second row, Diarmuid Barron moving to the back row in the final quarter and Jeremy Loughman switching back and forth between loosehead and tighthead prop.
"He's a big strong man. He looks like he’s been playing tighthead for 15 years if you see him, facially," he added of Loughman's stint at tighthead.
"But it’s an option for us, it’s something we’ll look at in the week."
In spite of the defeat, the general consensus is that Munster continued on a positive trajectory performance-wise, even if they missed out on a losing bonus-point.
And while he spoke of his side's effort, Rowntree (above) admitted they need to get better again when they host Ulster at Thomond Park in next week's Interpro, their third derby match in four weeks.
"When is it not a big game? Coming off a defeat as well, of course it's a big game. We’re at Thomond Park and it will be great for that support playing at home.
"They’re all big games. When is it not a big game?
"Momentum wise, we deserve more from tonight and I’ve got to drive that with the lads, because they’re down, they’re young men and they’re down and I’ve got the experience to pick them up, show them what we’re doing well, show them what we can do better. That’s our jobs."
"They’re very down after that, I thought we deserved more from the game. I thought we deserved more, it’s my job to drive them, be honest, keep us going forward."
Once again, several of the province's Emerging Ireland contingent stood out, with Ahern, Barron, Shane Daly, Jack Crowley and John Hodnett all impressing.
And although the tour left Munster short on numbers for a fortnight, Rowntree says they're reaping the rewards now.
"That’s only been good for our lads.
"At the time, we were well stocked in terms of our squad. It didn’t help that we lost four of my back-three players while they were away, but I think it’s been undeniably very good for the lads.
"They’ve come back with a different energy, a lot of them came back off the bench last week and had them tonight because of that. It can only be good for us and for Ireland going forward."
