Despite all those stars jetting east to the Land of the Rising Sun, the absentee which generated the most debate was the one left at home.

Munster hit the new ground running last night as they won their opening pre-season game on Musgrave Park’s freshly installed playing surface to defeat Declan Kidney’s London Irish.

Munster 21 London Irish 15: Munster produced a top drawer second-half performance as they put London Irish to the sword in front of an enthusiastic attendance of 5,208.

Assistant coach Brian Walsh will be looking for new signing Francis Saili to bring an extra dimension to Munster’s play in tonight’s final pre-season friendly against London Irish at Musgrave Park (7pm).