Copeland ready to stand up and fight

Many Munster fans were shocked when James Coughlan, one of the most admired and respected players in the squad for the previous decade or so, looked to be released from the final year of his contract to sample life in Pau, France, with his wife and family.

While they wished him the very best of luck, they also wondered who was going to fill his boots?

The Munster brains trust turned to Robin Copeland, the Wexford native plying his trade with Cardiff Blues. The 6ft, 5ins, 17st 4lbs Copeland hasn’t had many chances to show off his prowess so far this season but his first serious test comes on Saturday, against his native province at the Aviva Stadium.