Peter O'Mahony has handed Ireland a big autumn internationals boost by finally recovering from his year-long knee ligament injury.
The 27-year-old flanker will take a seat on Munster's bench for Saturday's Guinness PRO12 clash with Zebre at Thomond Park.
O'Mahony tore knee ligaments in Ireland's 24-9 Rugby World Cup pool victory over France on October 11 last year, and has since endured a torrid, truncated recovery.
The uncompromising back-rower now has the chance to end all those frustrations however, and in the process expand head coach Joe Schmidt's options for the four-match November Test schedule.
"Following the successful rehabilitation of an ACL rupture sustained in Ireland's historic World Cup win over France last October, O'Mahony will hope to see some game time after being named amongst the replacements," read Munster's statement.
Simon Zebo has overcome a rib injury to start at full-back too for Munster this weekend, in further positive news for Ireland.
Boss Schmidt's Ireland side will face New Zealand twice in three weeks across a hugely testing November series, so will doubtless need as many frontline stars available as possible.
O'Mahony himself cannot wait to get back into full swing with his province.
Ireland open their autumn run by taking on New Zealand in Chicago on November 5, with O'Mahony's return potentially proving very timely.
"I think I have dealt quite well with the injury, not just around the squad but at home as well," O'Mahony told the Irish Examiner.
"It was a long-term injury and I prepared myself for that but the last six to eight weeks were tough, just being on the edge and nearly there.
"Training on your own is tough because it's a team sport. For the last few weeks I've been lacing up the boots to go out and do a full session which was exciting.
"It will take me another few weeks (to regain full match sharpness). There's only so much you can train, how much you can simulate in training.
"So it will be a case of getting out there and throwing myself about and seeing how I get on."
Source: PA
