Howard hoping to make first impressions last for Munster

New Munster loanee Pat Howard will be a man on a mission when he makes his home debut against Ulster on Friday night, looking to impress his coaches on two continents.

The former South Africa U20 centre — signed on a three-month loan from Western Province as midfield cover for long-term injured Keith Earls, Cian Bohane and Tyler Bleyendaal — is looking for the game time he believes will convince former Ireland forwards coach, now Western Province director of rugby Gert Smal he is capable of making a meaningful contribution to the Currie Cup champions’ future campaigns.

At the same time, the 22-year-old is not ruling out the hope that an impressive showing in red might lead to a longer stay on Irish soil.