Munster look set to be without Diarmuid Barron, Brian Gleeson and Calvin Nash for this Saturday’s Challenge Cup knockout clash at Exeter Chiefs, the province revealed on Wednesday. The trio each failed their respective Head Injury Assessments following last Saturday’s narrow United Rugby Championship loss at the Bulls in Pretoria. Wing Nash was removed after 24 minutes at Loftus Versfeld, with hooker Barron, making his 100th senior appearance for his native province, following him into the treatment room 10 minutes later. A victory in the Round of 16 tie would mean a Challenge Cup quarter-final against the winners of the Benetton versus Cardiff tie on Saturday evening. A Benetton victory would mean a trip to Treviso’s Stadio Monigo for Clayton McMillan’s squad the following weekend, with a Cardiff success away from home potentially bringing the Welshmen to Thomond Park for the last-eight clash.

Source: Irish Examiner April 01, 2026 16:35 UTC