Munster are expected to hand Tadhg Beirne his first game of the season in Saturday's BKT United Rugby Championship derby against Leinster.
The British and Irish Lions forward, named player of the series against Australia in the summer, has been back at training and ready to taste his first action of the domestic season at Croke Park (5.15pm).
"Yeah, Tadhg trained today and he trained well along with the other lads so he’s in good nick," defence coach Denis Leamy told RTÉ Sport on Monday afternoon.
"We’ll sit down later and select the team and see what comes of that."
There was no further update on Craig Casey (hamstring), Niall Scannell (hand) or Shane Daly (head) but head coach Clayton McMillan will issue an update on Thursday.
Long-term injury absentee Roman Salanoa played for Nenagh in the AIL at the weekend.
Munster are second in the table on 14 points after wins over Scarlets, Cardiff and Edinburgh.
There is a huge amount of interest in this weekend’s selections with the possibility of Ireland out-halves Jack Crowley and Sam Prendergast squaring off for the first time.
The duo are hoping to put their hands up for the starting shirt for Ireland’s clash with New Zealand on 1 November in Chicago.
"It’s a big game and everyone wants to see both sides put their best foot forward so yeah, it’s a great opportunity for all the players who take the field, and if it’s Sam and Jack going head-to-head, yeah that just adds to the occasion," said the former Ireland back row.
On the same topic, Leinster attack coach Tyler Bleyendaal didn't give much away about their intentions but with both players rested last weekend, the signs are positive that they will feature.
"I can’t confirm or deny that, but there’s definitely some protocols there to keep Sam away for a match," said the New Zealander, who expects Robbie Henshaw, removed as a precaution in the victory over Sharks on Saturday, to be available.
"Look, it’s an exciting battle, two great players, I’m sure there’ll be many more battles to come in the future.
"Everyone is pretty excited to see it eventuate.
"I know in this environment here it’s not about the individual so whether Harry [Byrne] or Sam or whoever [starts], it’s all about leading the team, and the individual performances come on the back of the that, especially the forwards laying us a good platform and giving us go-forward [ball].
"It’s always a consideration, individuals are trying to vie for higher honours, international caps or top position in their seedings but ultimately when you are part of a team that plays well you can do your job because of that.
"That’s got to start there, first and foremost.
"In regards to their competitive nature, I can only speak of Sam.
"He’s a humble fellow but he works hard and he really wants to do well, for himself but mainly for the team.
"That competitiveness will show but hopefully in a team-oriented way."
Leinster welcomed back six of their Lions against the Sharks, while Jamison Gibson-Park, Andrew Porter and Garry Ringrose are back in contention for Saturday’s game.
Leamy (above), who was defence coach at Leinster before switching to his native province in 2022, said there is an additional buzz around the club for the clash.
"Yeah, it's always easy to get up for games against the other provinces," he said.
"I think my experience of being on the other side of the coin in the Leinster dressing room, interpro derbies are special no matter who you are playing against.
"Munster and Leinster is a special occasion in Irish sport. It really narrows the focus and we are really looking forward to the occasion.
"It’s going to present a lot of difficulties and Leinster are a truly brilliant rugby team but it’s what you want to do, it’s what you train for, it’s what you put yourself through hell during pre-season for.
"You want test yourself against the best and I think, as last season showed, Leinster are the best team in the league."
Elsewhere, Connacht, who lost 14-8 to Cardiff in round three, have confirmed that their Lions contingent of Bundee Aki, Finlay Bealham and Mack Hansen (above) are all available for selection for Friday’s clash against the Bulls at the Dexcom Stadium.
