RaboDirect PRO12
Injury sidelines prop Botha
ESPNscrum Staff
August 22, 2011
Botha will have to wait to make his full Munster debut © Getty Images
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Munster have received a blow ahead of the 2011-12 season with the news that their new signing BJ Botha will be out of action for a month with a calf injury.

The South African prop, who has joined from Ulster, picked up the injury in Friday's friendly clash with Wasps at Musgrave Park and will now miss the Irish province's opening RaboDirect PRO12 fixtures, including their opener against the Newport Gwent Dragons.

A statement read: "Munster today confirmed that prop BJ Botha will be sidelined for up to a month following a calf injury he sustained in Friday's clash with London Wasps at Musgrave Park."

James Coughlan was another forced off against Wasps, but his eye injury was not serious and he has returned to training. Another man back in training is scrum-half Tomas O'Leary, who was a surprise omission from Ireland's World Cup squad.

However Munster's prop resources will not be stretched as a result of Ireland's squad announcement with none of their front-rowers making the cut. Hooker Jerry Flannery did earn a call-up and he will hope to end a nightmare year on a high with the national side.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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