Mossie aims to make a Munster mark

STRENGTH in depth is frequently handed down as the reason why Munster have enjoyed so much success in the Heineken Cup over the past five or six years.

They have suffered in the way of injuries more than most but there always seemed to be the ideal replacement on standby. That is proving to be very much the case where Mossie Lawler, the stand-in left wing against Perpignan tomorrow, is concerned.

Anthony Horgan's bad luck with his back and hamstring have given the Shannon youngster more opportunities this season than he believed could ever come his way and he has taken them all quite splendidly, performing well against Gloucester, Viadana and Perpignan in the Heineken Cup and throughout the Celtic League series even though he isn't by nature a wing three-quarter.

"Rugby was in the blood from my earliest years," says Mossie. "My dad, Pat, died when I was only three and I played as an eight year old for his club, Bohemians, for one season before moving on to Shannon with my cousins, the Colm Tucker family. We came up through all the age groups with Shannon and then played schools rugby with Ard Scoil Ris.

"We reached the finals of the Junior and Senior Cups and lost each time to Pres. Paul O'Connell was in both of those teams while Pres had Peter Stringer and Mick O'Driscoll in their side. I was only 15 at the time.

"Later on, I played in the centre for Munster schools and I suppose that's when it became my favourite position on the field. I continued to play with Shannon and already I have three Munster Senior Cup medals and an AIL medal."

Mossie went on to captain the Irish under-21s and came to the notice of the Munster management last year. Last season he was contracted as a development player and although he is now an integral member of the 22-strong match squad, Lawler still doesn't have a full time provincial contract although such a well-merited bonus can only be just around the corner.

"I played one game last season against Caerphilly but this time I played in all but the Edinburgh game, largely I suppose because Anthony Horgan and other guys were unlucky with injuries. I made my Heineken Cup debut against Gloucester and it was a pretty daunting challenge, especially when we were at the Shed-end.

"A week later, it was a lot better playing for the first time in front of a packed Thomond Park against Perpignan. I loved that game, it was a fabulous experience and gave me a taste for a lot more of the same. At the start of the season, it was my goal to be here but realistically, I wasn't expecting it. Luckily Alan (Gaffney), had faith in me and I managed to stay in the team."

Gaffney's belief in Lawler hasn't been misplaced, even if Marcel Garvey did expose him for speed and strength for the first Gloucester try in the game at Kingsholm.

But Mossie is the kind of guy who learns as he goes along and last night earned this plaudit from Gaffney: "Not a lot of was expected or demanded of him at the start of the season but he has been a revelation and is our top try scorer in the Celtic League with six to his credit.

He has embraced professionalism in the most creditable manner and has worked very hard on his physique and fitness. Our fitness coach Fergal O'Callaghan reports he has put on three kilos since the campaign began and will continue to build up through use of weights and a proper diet."

There is no denying the feeling that the pride Mossie derives from wearing the Munster jersey has a lot to do with his success.

The temptation is to believe he would prefer to play in the centre but he discounts that, stressing: "To be honest, give me any Munster shirt and I'll take it. Unfortunately, Anthony is out and I have another chance, but realistically, I'd play anywhere just to be in the side. I'm not sure who I'll be marking on Saturday. No matter who it is, you have to face him and give it your best."

He may be on the small side for this level of rugby, but Lawler is a born footballer with a delightfully balanced running style and, given space, can be a defence breaker.

Few would bet against him using his wiles to register his first Heineken Cup try in the cauldron that will be the Stade Aime Giral tomorrow afternoon.