Where there’s Payne, there’s gain for Munster

OVER the years, Munster have made several outstanding signings.

Rhys Ellison, John Langford, Jim Williams immediately spring to mind as individuals who, through their absolute professionalism, through personal example, through advice and influence on the native youngsters around them, have helped to progress the oval-ball game in the province.

To that august list could well be added Shaun Payne. Another relatively unheralded player, when the South African came to Munster at the start of last season from Swansea, there was no dancing in the streets of either Limerick or Cork.