Jim Williams was elected captain following a players meeting during the week and the thirty three year old, in only his second year with the side, was understandably delighted with the role he has been given. " It's a huge honour just to be even asked to lead a side like Munster and I am really very pleased that the guys saw fit to make me captain." said the World Cup medal holder.

Although Munster's preparations have been hindered by injury and national squad obligations, Williams is happy with the way the pre-season is going. " It has been a little difficult with the injuries and guys away but despite that, things have been going well in training. There's a good buzz in the camp and I'm certainly looking forward - and I know everyone is - to Tuesday night when we take on Bristol. It'll be good to get back into the swing of things."

Williams enjoyed a 'six week break', a period that included a holiday in Turkey and the calf injury that curtailed his involvement in the latter stages of the heineken Cup has cleared up.