Munster full back Shaun Payne faces a race to be fit for the team’s Heineken Cup quarter-final clash with Llanelli Scarlets.

An x-ray has confirmed that the South African broke a finger in his left hand during his side’s Magners League defeat to Cardiff last Friday and the player will see a specialist before the end of the week to determine the full nature of the break, according to Setanta.

If the 35-year-old recovers in time and features in the Heineken Cup quarter-final against Llanelli Scarlets on Friday 30 March he will win his 50th Heineken Cup cap and will receive an ERC Elite 50 Caps award.


Argentine prop Federico Pucciarriello is struggling with a groin problem following last weekend’s game but there was better news for Darragh Hurley, who should be available for the game against Ulster despite damaging soft tissue in his shoulder.