The Ospreys team to face Munster in the Heineken Cup on Sunday 12th April 2009 at Thomond Park, kick off at 1.00pm, has been named.
15 Tommy Bowe, 14 Jonny Vaughton, 13 Sonny Parker, 12 Andrew Bishop, 11 Shane Williams, 10 James Hook, 9 Mike Phillips 1 Paul James, 2 Huw Bennett, 3 Adam Jones, 4 Ian Gough, 5 Alun-Wyn Jones, 6 Ryan Jones (Capt), 7 Marty Holah, 8 Filo Tiatia
Replacements: 16 Richard Hibbard, 17 Cai Griffiths, 18 Filipo Levi, 19 Andy Lloyd, 20 Tom Smith, 21 Jamie Nutbrown, 22 Dan Biggar
The following players were not considered because of injury:
Lee Byrne failed a late fitness test on a ligament injury to the left foot, but hopes to be available for selection in the next couple of weeks
Gavin Henson has suffered damage to the ligaments on both the lateral and medial sides of his right ankle. Although the injury is not so severe that he will require surgery, he will require a spell of at least two weeks in a walking cast before he can start to gradually get back to normal activity. At this stage, in light of the nature and extent of theligament damage, we are predicting a 4-6 week spell on the sidelines before Gavin will be ready for action again.
Jonathan Thomas has commenced a period of relative rest following specialist consultation in orderto facilitate full resolution of his recurring groin problem and permit a problem free return totraining and playing.
Duncan Jones remains unavailable butis making great strides forward in his rehab following foot surgery. With continued progress we could see him back and available for selection towards the end of Aprilorearly May.
Ben Lewis and Ian Evans are both recovering from ACL reconstructive surgery. Both players are achieving their targets and remain on course to be fully fit and available for the start of next season.
Nikki Walker is also doing well following surgery to repair his left hamstring origin, and although he won't feature again this season is expected be fit for the start of pre season training.
Lyndon Bateman is still in the early stages of his recovery following knee surgery and will return next season.
Kristian Phillips is recovering from surgery to repair the damage sustained folllwing the shoulder dislocation he suffered against Leinster. He will require a 5-6 month recovery and rehabilitation process and will be targeting a return for the start of next season.