We don’t know who’s hands the future of Munster Rugby will be in with Tony Mc Gahan heading back to Australia at the end of this season. We are sure however, that some key players contracts have been renewed and the strength of the Munster allure is still as strong as ever as players reject the rich French clubs and re- sign with Munster. I was not surprised to see Paul O Connell extend his contract with Munster, a leader on and off the pitch, Paul is crucial to the Munster psyche and game. Denis Leamy, Keith Earls, Donnacha Ryan have all extended their contracts, they are 3 solid players. I hope Leamy will recover from a few tough months of injury and return to his usual consistent form. Donnacha Ryan is making life tough for Donnacha O’ Callaghan in the second row for both Munster and Ireland. I think Ryan deserves a chance to prove himself in the 6 nations, he has made a big impact coming on as a sub. Earls is also making an impression so far in the 6 nations, he is a huge asset for Munster and a good leader for the young backs coming through. Doug Howlett to me was a key signing for next season, he is injured at the moment but what Howlett brings to Munster is unmeasurable. The All Blacks all time top try scorer remains one of the best backs in the world, his try scoring ability is impressive and the wealth of experience he brings to the team is immense. This is extremely important for him to teach and lead the younger backs like Simon Zebo and Danny Barnes who have shown great potential in his absence. These young guys have a lot yet to learn and there is nobody better than Howlett and Earls to learn from. And to the big question… who will become Munster’s next coach?? Let me have a think about this one, that’s another days work! Claw

Last weekend was another great one in Limerick, unfortunately there were not too many Castre supporters around but the Munster supporters made up for their lack of numbers as usual! Another win in Thomond Park has put Munster in a good position going into a tough game this weekend in Northampton. I would have expected Munster to come away with a bonus point against a Castre, it was certainly a frustrating performance by Munster and it is indeed bitterly disappointing not to have come away with the bonus point.

Credit where credit is due, Donnacha Ryan played a great game and it’s his versatility that really saved Munster when Niall Ronan’s injury hit the pack. The game against Northampton is now more important than ever. Northampton are chasing a place in the Amlin Challenge Cup and seeking revenge for November’s gut wrenching loss in Thomond Park where ROG scored that magic drop goal! It has been an extremely difficult season for Munster so far with regard to injuries, loosing players like: Niall Ronan, Denis Leamy, David Wallace, Felix Jones, Doug Howlett and Jerry Flannery amongst many others has been challenging for the players and management. Although it has given many of the younger players a chance to get game time, it is clear to see we are missing these lad’s presence on the pitch. Although next weekend will be extremely tough, I think Munster will relish the Underdogs tag. It will be difficult to come away with a win but Munster have a home quarter final at stake, another nail biting end in sight…. Hopefully with a Munster victory and another great day in Thomond Park to look forward to in April. Claw

It was announced John Hayes could be playing in his last Heineken Cup game next Sunday against Scarlets. After a long distinguished career which saw him achieve over 100 caps for both his country and province The Bull, as we call him, will be hanging up his boots in the next few weeks. I remember when he came on in one of his first games for Ireland, he told the coach he could play loose head but told me when he ran onto the pitch that he never played loose head so I had to switch from tight head to loose head for him!

In a week that saw Peter Stringer make his debut for Saracens it seems to be truly the end of one era and the start of another. Best of luck to Peter in the next 3 months but I hope it won’t be the last we see of him in a Munster jersey.

After witnessing Munster win against Scarlets last weekend in a hard fought battle, it is clear to see the young lads in the team making their mark. But an inspiring performance from Paul O’Connell shows that experience and grit are still at the heart of the team.

Looking forward to what looks to be another cracker this weekend, I predict a Munster win, but it will be close, Munster know Scarlets have a lot to prove. Great to see Keith Earls back in the squad… Hope we get to see him work some magic in Thomond Park. Hope to see ye in the bar and club over the weekend. Welcome to Limerick to all the Scarlets fans!

What a beginning to Munster’s Heineken Cup campaign against Northampton in Thomond Park. In what could have been described as an unimpressive performance overall by the team, Munster managed to do only what Munster can do… Perform a miracle! With over 40 phases, incredible discipline by both teams, it was Munster’s passion and Ronan O’ Gara’s composure that led Munster to yet another memorable victory in Thomond Park.

I have to commend the young players coming through who really really stood up to the test, especially Peter O’ Mahony for getting man of the match considering it was the first time in 16 years that one of  Anthony Foley, Alan Quinlan or David Wallace were not playing in the back row. It was great to see such a huge amount of Northampton supporters over for the game.

It was fantastic having the team in to The Sin Bin afterwards also, also they admitted to me that they were well and truly gutted with the result but fair play to them they took their result graciously. Anyway thats me for my first blog… hopefully this can be something to build on with a big season of rugby and sport ahead.