THE SUN shone brightly on Thomond Park earlier this week as Munster Rugby hosted the media for a pre-season gathering.
It was an occasion filled with optimism and confidence as the 40-plus squad went through their regular training routine for Saturday’s opening URC outing against Connacht at the venue (5.30pm).
Head coach Graham Rowntree was cautious, emphasising that his side will have to show better form than in their past two friendlies if they are to get the better of the Westerners.
“I will have to manage the squad for this one, but there are guys coming through which puts us in a good position,” he told the gathered press.
With two former Connacht players, Tom Farrell and Diarmuid Kilgallen, now ready to wear the red of Munster, this fixture has added spice.
“We know what Connacht will bring to the table,” said the coach. “They are a very physical side and we will have to be well prepared. It’s the opening competitive game of the season and we will know where we are at on Saturday night.”
With the spotlight on newly appointed team captain Tadhg Beirne, Rowntree showered compliments on the man he called ‘Batman’.
“Tadhg has good field presence, good leadership, and shows calmness when he speaks to the referee, He is a world-class player who always leads by example,” stated Rowntree, asserting his belief that Beirne “is the right man to lead Munster into the new season”.
Stepping up to the plate, new skipper Berine said: “I have had a fantastic six years here and it’s an incredibly proud moment for me and my family. Very few people have had the opportunity to captain Munster Rugby and it’s a massive honour to follow in the footsteps of some incredible players and leaders.”
“I had the privilege of leading the team a number of times in the past and the job was always made easier by the amount of leaders we have in the squad.
“We have a very tight-knit group and it means a lot to me to lead the squad as captain for the season ahead.”
Beirne joins a select group of eight players who have been named as permanent captain of the Munster Rugby men’s team in the professional era, following in the footsteps of Pat Murray, Mick Galwey, Jim Williams, Anthony Foley, Paul O’Connell, Doug Howlett , and Peter O’Mahony.
Tadhg joined Munster from Scarlets in 2018 and established himself as a vital player.
He made his Irish debut against Australia in June 2018 and played his first game for Munster against Glasgow in September 2018.
The 32-year-old has gone on to score eight tries in 76 appearances for Munster, winning a URC title in 2023.
He has scored 11 tries in 52 appearances for Ireland and three tries in five appearances for the British and Irish Lions.
The weekend inter-provincial with Connacht opener could go in any direction. Both provinces will be trying to get off to a winning start but with home advantage the Reds will be fancied to get their campaign off to a winning start.
