Munster will warm to the task in Portugal

TONY McGAHAN is taking his players away for a seven-day training camp to sunny Vilamoura in Portugal next Wednesday but yesterday the Australian had to equip himself with the worst elements of the Irish ‘summer’ at rain-lashed Clonakilty Rugby Club.

Despite the inclement conditions, The Vale, home to Clon rugby, brought out huge numbers to watch the Munster squad being put through their pre-season drills. After obliging with autographs and pictures, the players then took a break from all things oval for surf lessons at nearby Inchydoney Beach.

McGahan, speaking afterwards, expressed delight at landing long-term transfer target, Jean De Villiers, adding that he’ll keep an open mind on where to position one of the world’s best players. The signing of the Springbok star is regarded as a massive coup for Munster, and McGahan believes the former Stormers captain can bring that X-factor to his midfield — whether at inside or outside centre.