Munster bound Tadhg Beirne preparing for first appearance in Champions Cup knock out stages

The former Leinster lock is set to be named in the Scarlets team for tomorrow’s quarter final against La Rochelle in Wales.

The 26-year-old second row has been in outstanding form this season with Munster boss Johann van Graan labeling him the best forward in the Pro 14, if not Europe.

Beirne will leave the Welsh region in the summer and has admitted to the Irish Examiner that he is having doubts about the return to Ireland.

“It still plays on my mind whether it was the right decision,” Beirne said. “It was a decision I had to take to develop my career and try to achieve that international ambition. If I wanted to do that I had to go home.”

The European player of the year nominee is anxious to repay the Scarlets for initially taking a gamble on signing him by reaching the last 4 in Europe for the first time in 11 years.

“It is a difficult one to take because the Scarlets took a big gamble on me when no one wanted me. You have to remember the bigger picture and not hold any grudges. I want to wear that Irish jersey at some stage and that’s what I have based my decision on. Before that I will do everything I can to repay the Scarlets for all they have done for me.”

Video courtesy of European Rugby Champions Cup.