Discipline at the core of O’Callaghan’s rise through ranks

A first competitive start for his province, a Heineken Cup debut in a famous victory and lifting the British & Irish Cup would be quite the season for any young player but Dave O’Callaghan is just as grateful for the “life management” skills he has learned in the Munster Academy.

The 22-year-old back row from Youghal feels he has learned as much off the pitch as he has on it during his three years balancing a transition into professional rugby with the demands of studying for a commerce degree at University College Cork.

The on-field experience has been mightily impressive, with a starting debut for Munster in the RaboDirect Pro12 against Ospreys last October, a late run for his European bow in the thrilling win at Northampton Saints and a starring role in last week’s victory over Cross Keys to win some silverware.