Fan favourite Botha putting his shoulder to the wheel

THERE ISN’T too many greater sights than seeing Arno Botha in full flow with ball in hand. The burly South African back rower announced his arrival at Munster with a powerful display of ball carrying against the Cheetahs in the opening game of the season and immediately the province’s fans took him in as one of their own.

Botha has been a big influence in the early stages of Munster’s season and it’s his willingness to work hard that has consistently seen him make the match day 23. “For me it’s just to work hard every week. It’s not only on the game days but that you show that you want to play but in the training as well. It’s very important and for me it’s also about taking things week to week.

Munster are now unbeaten in their last five games, winning four and two of those victories have come away from home. Botha has been pleased with how the squad have reacted to some early season indifferent form. He also revealed that he is loving his time at the province thus far.

“I enjoy Limerick a lot. I don’t want to say it but I don’t know if there is a better city in Ireland. I know there is a lot of good cities but I am used to this one now. The people are very friendly. Family is coming to visit and it will be good for them to see it and it’s a good city to live in.

“Everything is really close. I always knew that the people in Ireland were generally very friendly but you have to have the mindset as a rugby player to enjoy wherever you go. I always want to enjoy it and make it nice. I didn’t think the weather was going to be this good.”