For Munster stalwarts, Castres showdown is likely end of road

By Mark Jones

DUBLIN — Munster go into Saturday’s European Rugby Cup semifinal against French club Castres in the knowledge that defeat will signal the end of the road for several of the players who have bolstered the province in recent seasons.

Beaten finalists in 1999 and losing semifinalists last year, Munster’s quest for glory in Europe has been Irish rugby’s enduring story of late, and the likes of Mick Galwey and Peter Clohessy are aware that this could be their last chance.

Boosted by an impressive quarterfinal victory over Stade Francais in Paris, Munster must now travel to Beziers in the southwest of France — deemed a neutral venue by the tournament organizers — to take on Castres.

Although he had earlier been ruled out due to burns received in a domestic accident, Clohessy may now be fit to take his place at prop. However, flanker Jim Williams is almost certainly out of the game after injuring his calf during last week’s 6-6 draw with Leinster at Musgrave Park. If Williams is deemed unfit, then Alan Quinlan will come into the side.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Alan Gaffney will take over as Munster coach next season following Declan Kidney’s promotion to Ireland assistant coach.