Munster say that the injuries suffered by Ian Dowling and Doug Howlett during last Saturday’s win over Northampton aren’t serious. The duo won’t be risked for Sunday’s game against Connacht, but scans on their injuries yesterday have been described as ‘positive’. Team Manager Shaun Payne remains confident about their availability for the crucial upcoming games against Ospreys and Biarritz. Payne also reported that Keith Earls came through the Northampton game without any ill effect, and he confirmed that both Earls and Paul O’Connell (groin also) will continue to be monitored by Munster’s medical team. Earls has not been ruled out for Sunday’s game but O’Connell is unlikely to take any part. Meanwhile, Doug Howlett, Alan Quinlan, Jean de Villiers and Paul Warwick have been included in the Barbarians squad for this summer’s tour, which will include a match against Ireland at Thomond Park. England’s Danny Cipriani and Paul Sackey and the All Blacks duo of Jerry Collins and Carl Hayman are also in the squad.