Veteran Payne gets back to basics

WHEN Shaun Payne signed for Munster five years ago, few took a great deal of notice. He had a good track record, initially in his native South Africa, where he was part of a crack Natal Sharks side, and more recently with Swansea.

But he had already reached his 30th birthday, and to the average punter it looked as if he had been signed largely as a utility back, should any mishap befall the regular full-backs, centres or wings.

Payne himself saw things in much the same light, and that’s one good reason why he now looks back in wonderment at how hugely his fortunes and expectations have changed in the meantime.