Tuesday 16 August 2016 15:30, UK
Munster have been dealt a blow ahead of the new season with the news centre Francis Saili will be out for a further three to four months with a shoulder injury.
Saili, who has been capped twice by New Zealand, underwent surgery on the injury at the end of last season but was forced to go back under the knife to solve the problem.
The 25-year-old underwent a scope on Monday and Munster director Rassie Erasmus confirmed the results were what the team was hoping for.
"We got a setback with his shoulder. He went in for a scope yesterday, there was some more repair work [needed]. It's going to be an extended lay-off. It wasn't great news but it is what it is," Erasmus told the Irish Examiner.
Munster begin their pre-season campaign at the Regional Sports Centre in Waterford on Friday at 7pm when they take on PRO12 rivals Zebre.
The five Irish internationals - Conor Murray, Keith Earls, CJ Stander, Donnacha Ryan and Dave Kilcoyne - who were involved in the summer tour to South Africa will not be involved as they continue their phased integration back into the squad.
