PAUL O’Connell took an active part in training with his Munster team-mates at Thomond Park yesterday as he continues to make a quicker than anticipated recovery from the ankle injury he sustained against Leinster just over three weeks ago.

However, O’Connell did not take part in any lineout or scrum practice, and with Munster still potentially having up to another four matches after Saturday’s Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final against Harlequins at Thomond Park, a likelier return may be in their last regular season Magners League game at the same venue against Connacht on Friday week. Munster will announce their squad for Saturday’s game today.

– GERRY THORNLEY