Munster have received a boost ahead of the Heineken Cup with the news that Lifeimi Mafi has returned to full fitness.

The Tongan-born centre has missed the beginning of the season after recovering from shoulder surgery in May but will return to the field for Munster ‘A’ this weekend when they face Ulster.

The 28-year old makes a welcome return to fitness with fellow centre Barry Murphy still out injured.

With Murphy and Mafi unavailable and Jean de Villiers’ having returned to South Africa, Munster employed a brand new centre partnership in the Magners League games against Aironi and Edinburgh, with former Leicester wing Johne Murphy lining up alongside Worcester recruit Sam Tuitopou.

Mafi, who made his Munster debut in a rain-soaked Heineken Cup win over Leicester Tigers at Welford Road in October 2006, will now be look to add to his 30 European appearances when his side visit the Madejski Stadium to face London Irish on Saturday, October 9.

The double Heineken Cup winners face tough opposition in Pool 3, which also includes Magners League champions the Ospreys and French side RC Toulon.