MARK CHISHOLM, MUNSTER’S Australian second-row, will return to full squad training this week as he continues his comeback from an extended break due to concussion.

The 35-year-old has been sidelined since last March’s Guinness Pro12 victory over Newport Gwent Dragons and is set to resume full contact training after being given the all-clear.

It had been reported Chisholm, who joined Munster on a two-year contract in August 2015, had considered retirement but ongoing treatment and medical observation has seen him made encouraging progress.

“It is always great to see a player return to training, however, as player welfare continues to be our priority it will be some time before Mark is available to play as we give him every opportunity and the appropriate time to build up the required training and match fitness after such an extended break,” Rassie Erasmus said.

There was also good news surrounding the fitness of Sam Arnold, Robin Copeland and Rory Scannell, who will all take part in training this week ahead of Munster’s trip to Cardiff this weekend.

Jaco Taute, Rory Scannell and Ronan O’Mahony at today’s session in UL. Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Arnold sustained a knee injury playing for Munster A in early January while Copeland has recovered from a thumb injury suffered in that same B&I Cup game against Doncaster Knights.

Scannell is also back involved having overcome a knee problem but Jack O’Donoghue won’t be risked this week having picked up an ankle injury against Ospreys earlier this month.