“I’m desperate to play” | Munster’s Brian Gleeson on his aims this year after try scoring debut

Hopes are high for Gleeson, who could well have a breakout year if things go his way at senior level this season.

Brian Gleeson is a name fast becoming familiar with Munster supporters, as the young back row impressed in his senior debut against the Barbarians.

Just last week Gleeson touched down for two tries in his side’s huge win over the Barbarians at Thomond Park, on what was his first senior appearance.

Hailing from Loughmore in Tipperary, Gleeson revealed how he first began playing rugby in Thurles at a young age, before spending formative years in Rockwell college.

“I started playing rugby at the age of six in Thurles, played for a few years, then I went to Rockwell college, played for the whole six years, we won a Junior Cup in third year.”

He looks at his time spent in Rockwell with fondness, a time responsible for shaping him as both a player and a person.

When pressed for his biggest influences on his career, he would not single anyone out, but admitted he would “pay big respects” to all of his coaches at Rockwell College.

“It’s hard to single out one or two people, I’ve had a lot of people that have had massive parts to play, in Rockwell all my coaches I’d pay big respects to them, every single Munster coach that’s helped me up along, they’ve all helped a lot.”

The 19-year-old has been involved in Munster underage teams for a number of years, where the aforementioned coaches will have moulded his game and improved him in a number of areas.

Ahead of the 2023/24 season, Gleeson was confirmed as one of five new additions to the Greencore Academy, and following his impressive senior debut, he’s hoping for more chances.

“My aims for the year ahead are playing as many times for Munster as I can, I’m desperate to play for the province, I’ll look to push forward and put my name there or thereabouts for places.”

Hopes are high for Gleeson, who could well have a breakout year if things go his way at senior level this season.

He will be hoping to see the field in some capacity on October 21st, as Munster begin their defence of the URC at home to the Sharks.

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