Munster stars miss out on Eagles test

By Simon Lewis MUNSTER will have to do without their frontline Irish internationals for tomorrow’s match against the United States national team in East Hartford, Connecticut. The IRFU has told Munster head coach Tony McGahan that its eight centrally contracted players, who all travelled to the US, will not be available to take the field in the European champion’s high-profile pre-season friendly with the Eagles at Rentschler Field as they need more rest ahead of the new season. McGahan will therefore be without Peter Stringer, Ronan O’Gara, Jerry Flannery, John Hayes, Marcus Horan, Donncha O’Callaghan, Paul O’Connell and Alan Quinlan. McGahan also left Doug Howlett out of his matchday squad, holding the former All Black back another week, with Munster spokesman Pat Geraghty saying the Kiwi would probably play... [read full story]