Tom Wood ruled out until new year for Munster

Munster have suffered another setback at fly-half after Academy prospect Tom Wood was ruled out until the new year with a shoulder injury, further reducing Clayton McMillan’s options ahead of Saturday’s United Rugby Championship opener against Glasgow Warriors.

Tom Wood to undergo shoulder surgery

The 20-year-old is set to undergo surgery after injuring his shoulder during a recent training game. Munster confirmed he will remain sidelined until the new year.

Wood made his senior Munster debut off the bench against Glasgow at Scotstoun in January and has also represented Ireland Under-20s.

Head coach McMillan said undergoing surgery was the best option for Wood in both the short and long term, describing the young fly-half as a promising player with a bright future.

“Undergoing surgery now is the best option for Tom in both the short- and long-term," said McMillan.

“He is a very promising young player with a bright future.

"While it’s disappointing for him to miss the coming months, I know he will use the time wisely and come back in even better condition to make a big contribution to Munster this season and in the years ahead.”

Munster fly-half injuries mount before Glasgow

Wood joins Ireland international Jack Crowley on the long-term injury list. Crowley has been unavailable since April with a lower-leg injury and is not expected to return until the new year.

New signing Will Harrison is also sidelined after reaggravating a knee injury during pre-season. The former Waratahs fly-half joined Munster after playing in Japan and remains under the care of the province’s medical team.

JJ Hanrahan, meanwhile, is completing return-to-play protocols following a concussion that kept him out of Munster’s final pre-season fixture against Leicester Tigers.