IT is that time of the year again. Time for the new Munster rugby season to get underway. Time to start on the long and winding road.
The word coming from the squad, who are just back this week from warm weather training in La Manga, is that there are scores to be settled. Not with any one team or player, but with the standards that Munster have set themselves.
Over the last number of weeks Postsport readers would have read that messrs O Connell, O Gara and Earls are not happy with the end of last season. The two semi final defeats against Leinster, (Magners League) and Biarritz (Heineken Cup) are proving to be hard pills to swallow.
The old guard all return this season with some new signings in there to help with competition for places. The pressure to perform is still as strong as ever though as some of the senior members of the squad look for their third Heineken Cup.
There will also be pressure of course on the current management team. Tony Mc Gahan has delivered a Magners League title, but the Aussie coach will be looking to add the Heineken Cup to his CV alongside his new look backroom team, which now officially includes Mick Galwey.
Denis Leamy, Donnacha Ryan, Ian Dowling, as well as squad newcomers, Wian du Preez and Sam Tuitupou are all included in the Munster squad for Friday’s seasonal opener.
The new signings continue to assimilate themselves into the Munster squad with two more summer additions, Johne Murphy and Peter Borlase expected to feature early in the Magners League campaign. With young guns such as Peter O Mahony, Paddy Butler and Dave Foley also included in this Friday’s opener, the future does look bright for Munster as the season long trail for glory begins.
To kick the new season off, Munster face Leicester in the first of two pre-season friendlies at Musgrave Park this Friday night at 7pm.
The red army also take on Gloucester in a second fixture at Musgrave Park seven days later.
Munster Squad: Denis Hurley, Felix Jones, Ian Dowling, Danny Barnes, Simon Zebo, Scott Deasy, Sam Tuitupou, Corey Hircock, Paul Warwick, Duncan Williams, Conor Murray, Wian du Preez, Dave Ryan, Stephen Archer, Darragh Hurley, Mike Sherry, Denis Fogarty, Billy Holland, Dave Foley, Ian Nagle, Donnacha Ryan, Paddy Butler, Tommy O’Donnell, Peter O’Mahony, James Coughlan, Denis Leamy.
