Jack Crowley stood down with immediate effect

Munster suffered a significant loss ahead of their United Rugby Championship clash with Ulster, as fly half Jack Crowley was withdrawn from the squad. This followed an injury in the warm-up to the Ireland 10, with JJ Hanrahan propelled into the starting XV in his place.

As the injury happened just a matter of minutes before the action got underway at Thomond Park, there was little immediate detail provided upon the extent of the issue. All that we can officially report at this point in time is that Crowley suffered a knock in the warm-up, and will play no part in the Irish derby currently underway in Limerick.

JJ Hanrahan was a travelling reserve and not initially listed within the Munster match day 23, with Munster head coach Clayton McMillan opting for a 6-2 split, with scrum half Ben O'Donovan and centre Dan Kelly to provide the back-line coverage from the replacements. The extent of Crowley's injury will certainly be a topic of conversation from the post-match media conference, and we will provide a fresh update upon the out-half once we receive word at Thomond Park.

The worst case scenario is that Jack Crowley could be set to spend a lengthy spell on the side-lines, in what is a crucial time for Munster's season. The province sit within the hunt for the play-off places, and losing Crowley for a few weeks could have huge ramifications for the side. Looking beyond the URC, and Ireland head coach Andy Farrell will want to get an update as soon as possible, in case Crowley needs a progressed return to match fitness in time for July's Nations Championship fixtures.

Ireland take on Japan, Australia and New Zealand upon their Summer tour, with Crowley a must-have for the inaugural Nations Championship.