Munster star Butler looks to build on growing reputation

Paddy Butler’s feet remain firmly planted on the ground despite the praise which followed his dramatic last-minute try which snatched a Guinness Pro12 win against Cardiff last month.

The 23-year-old Tipperary man knows the challenge he faces to dislodge the current established back-row trio of skipper Peter O’Mahony, Tommy O’Donnell and CJ Stander in his quest for big-game time with Munster.

Even then, there others, including Rob Copeland, who may be ahead of him in the pecking order. “It is a very competitive sector in Munster,” Butler agreed. “I think there are eight or nine of us in the squad. If you have one bad game, it puts you back a step. Obviously that try in Cardiff was a big boost and I was delighted to get it. In fairness, though, it was a team effort. We dogged out a win but that showed the character in the squad.”