Haley’s star is rising with each Munster game

It’s not easy to replace such an iconic player as Simon Zebo but that’s the challenge that Mike Haley was handed when signed for Munster from Sale Sharks in the off-season.

The full back has impressed since making his competitive debut against the Cheetahs in Munster’s opening Pro14 game this term and he was also a key cog in the province’s 10-10 draw with Exeter Chiefs last weekend in their opening Champions Cup contest.

At this early stage in his career with Munster, Haley is happy to have settled so quickly and is looking forward to getting more game time as the season goes on. “I’m really enjoying it,” he said of his first few months in Munster red.

“Obviously, it was a long pre-season and It was a lot of hard work done but from minute one all the lads were great. I knew a couple from before – Ciaran Parker, Sammy Arnold and Alex Wootton, who I played with in younger years back over (England).

“The lads have really made it a home for me here and I’m really enjoying it. When you put in performances like last weekend, where everyone really becomes a team, it’s great to be here.”

Haley knows exactly what to expect from Munster’s opponents this Saturday having coming up against them over the last few years at club level in England.

The full back also played alongside one of Gloucester’s biggest threats, Danny Cipriani, at Sale but feels that Munster need to just stick to their own processes and not worry about what the talents that he possesses.

“They (Gloucester) are a very good side and everybody knows how good he (Cipriani) can be. I played with him for a number of years.

“He is a very good player and they are playing very well and all credit to them. All we have to do is concentrate on what we can concentrate on.

“We will work hard in training and this is a huge week. It’s Europe and Munster are renowned for stepping up in European weeks and we will look to do that again.”

Haley experienced his first away day with Munster against Exeter last week and paid tribute to the fans that travelled over to Sandy Park to cheer on the team.

The passionate support is something he was well aware of before he came to Munster and is hoping for more of the same on Saturday.

“I was blown away by the support,” Haley admitted. “I was getting off the coach and had my headphones on and I could hear them singing through the headphones.

“I couldn’t believe it. I can’t wait to hopefully walk out in Thomond Park with that support that’s going to be there. It’s going to be great.”