The long road back for new Munster star Chambers

HE only arrived in the country last month on a short-term contract and after being cut by the Queensland Reds.

Now he is set to start for Munster against the Heineken Cup champions in front of almost 50,000 fans.

So, who is Will Chambers? The basics first.

Born in Nhulunbury in Australia’s Northern Territory, Chambers is 23 years of age, stands 6’ 3” and is a rugby league convert, having made the switch from Melbourne Storm for whom he featured in the 2009 NRL Grand Final.

After a promising first season in Super 15, which he ended as the Reds’ chief try scorer, his 2011 campaign was badly compromised by shoulder surgery, prompting coach Ewen McKenzie to let him go, albeit with some reservations.

Former Reds teammates, Will Genia and Digby Ioane, sang his praises last month, describing him as a team player who can break the line; a centre or wing whose direct running and straight lines are allied to an appetite for tackles and hard work.

Chambers has joined Munster on a short-term contract and his agent Peter Apolakiatis has spoken of a possible subsequent move to Japan, with the prospect of a return to the 13-man league code in Australia on the back burner, perhaps in 2014.

He made his debut in the defeat of Aironi at Musgrave Park last weekend when he partnered Danny Barnes in the centre.

Barnes makes way tonight with Lifeimi Mafi starting at inside-centre alongside the new recruit from down under.