In Pics: Munster Training In Cork
Much of the focus in the lead-up to Munster’s Magners League clash with the Dragons is on new signing Jean de Villiers, who trained earlier today with his new team-mates at Curraheen Park in Cork.
South African centre Jean de Villiers, who helped the Springboks win the Tri Nations before heading north to his new club, is gearing up to make his debut for Munster on Sunday.
Commenting on his countryman’s transition into the Munster set-up and his first involvement on the pitch, the province’s team manager Shaun Payne said that de Villiers will not play ‘more than half a match’ against the Dragons.
“We will be looking to ease him into things at this stage of the game. The plan is for him to play at 12 at this stage,” he said.
“There obviously will be times on the pitch when the centres can swap over.”
de Villiers is settling into his new home near Annacotty, and Payne explained the reasoning behind basing Munster’s newest signing in Limerick.
“The decision to base Jean in Limerick had to do with the spreading of our player resources. Having an experienced international back based in Limerick was important.
“Obviously, we have Rog (Ronan O’Gara) in Cork as well. He is a leader in terms of the back-line. That is why we felt it was important to have Jean in Limerick.”
Click here to view photos of Munster’s training session at Curraheen Park, Cork on Wednesday.