A big part of Munster’s future is undoubtedly nurturing the talented younger players coming through the province.
The Munster Academy plays a vital role in that progression from school all the way through to the senior side.
Two players that have made the jump from the Academy to the senior set up for the coming season are Sean O’Connor and Gavin Coombes.
O’Connor says that the Academy is the perfect place to learn about the professional game and learn off the players around you.
“It’s a good learner because you are learning, well for the likes of me being a lineout operator and caller, Darren O’Shea and Billy Holland. It’s a good place to be.
“Probably one of the toughest things was that you could be up earlier than the seniors and then you have to go and do everything the seniors are doing.
“You then finish with another gym session and stuff like that. You’re probably not off as long or don’t get as many breaks, but that stands to you hugely.”
Click below to view the full interviews with Sean O’Connor and Gavin Coombes courtesy of Munster Rugby below.