Taking the Payne out of management

LINING OUT in tonight’s Magners League season-opener against Llanelli Scarlets at Musgrave Park (5:30pm) was not what Shaun Payne had envisaged when he signed up as manager this summer.

But part of the deal was he’d play a handful of matches for Munster if required. With nominal full backs, Denis Hurley (ankle) and Mossie Lawler (back strain) injured, Payne will pull on the red jersey for the 94th time. Yet he won’t look out of place. Just last month, he was training “full on” with Munster in Chicago, so this SOS call would not have come as a surprise. He’s in great shape and will also be playing AIL rugby with UL-Bohs this season.

His main role, team manager, has been “easier than I thought,” he said, as Munster streamlined their management structure during the summer. Former manager, Jerry Holland, will remain on temporarily in an advisory capacity, but the South African is relishing the role.