For those Munster supporters and possibly players who believe their province exists purely along the N20 between Cork and Limerick, tomorrow evening’s pre-season friendly with London Irish offers an opportunity to take something of a rare detour.

Munster captain Peter O’Mahony has urged his squad to play every game this season as if it was their last as the province aims to return to the winner’s enclosure in both the Guinness Pro12 and Europe.

Only a call-up to the Emerging Ireland tour to Romania stopped Billy Holland from having a long and miserable summer after a frustrating end to Munster’s season.

Munster signing Andrew Smith has an eye for an opportunity and with midfield vacancies up for grabs this season the former Brumbies centre is looking to make a speedy impression.

Munster’s new coaching ticket won’t be introducing an "all singing, all dancing" brand of rugby, new assistant coach Brian Walsh says.