Munster’s head coach, Graham Rowntree, has expressed confidence that new recruit, Billy Burns, will bring immense value to the team and spur local talent Jack Crowley to up his game. The 29-year-old Burns, who boasts seven Irish caps, was picked up by Munster after Joey Carbery’s choice to join Bègles-Bordeaux. The former, having spent the previous six years playing in Belfast following half a dozen seasons in Gloucester, is expected to assume a pivotal position for Munster.
Rowntree stated that Burns’ experience and stage in his career could be beneficial to the team. He believes Burns’ fondness for Munster’s style of playing and international rugby exposure make him a great fit. He further commented on Burns’ move as a fresh challenge and expressed excitement at the prospect.
Moreover, Diarmuid Kilgallen, a winger from Connacht, joins Burns as a new recruit while fresh contract renewals have been issued for John Ryan, a 35-year-old prop, and lock Cian Hurley. Carbery’s switch to France prompts Rowntree to anticipate that Burns would be eager to press ahead with his career and provide the team with essential experience. Endorsing his move, Rowntree underscored an exciting new phase for the player and his family as well as a changed playing style.
Rowntree, affiliated with a team defending their URC title, has expressed a growing confidence in the emerging talents such as Tony Butler, Dylan Hicks, and Tom Wood in his team. However, he acknowledges the necessity of incorporating more seasoned players who can guide the younger ones, pose a competition to Jack, and increase their overall playing skill. These factors make their contributions indispensable to the team.
This week, the team’s tighthead, Oli Jager, and lock, Fineen Wycherley, both suffering from knee injuries, are awaiting surgical reviews. Although Rowntree notes that these reviews do not guarantee an operation, he admits that from his experience, it is often the eventual outcome. However, he assures that the final discretion lies with the medical experts.
Positive news has also reached Rowntree’s ears in the form of the comeback of back-rowers Jack O’Donoghue and John Hodnett, along with fullback Simon Zebo, who have recovered from their injuries. With a touch of humour, he acknowledges that receiving such varied injury reports is just a standard week for Munster Rugby.
As they gear up for their journey to Swansea this Friday evening to face the Ospreys, these updates and concerns form an essential part of Rowntree’s evaluation of his team.