Follow the leader

DAMIEN VARLEY has taken inspiration from teammate and new Irish skipper Paul O’Connell as he hopes to challenge for a starting place for Ireland.

Two caps for his country, two for the A team and a bag full of top class appearances for Munster gives him the right to dream. But the first-choice Munster hooker still figures he has to fight for everything. It’s the Munster way and one he has completely bought into.

And why wouldn’t he? It worked for his inspiration, O’Connell.