Ambitious Rory Scannell embraces new Munster role

From apprentice to senior partner, Rory Scannell has made the leap from pretender to midfield mainstay in the space of a season but understands he has to become a leader to the Munster backs hopeful of following in his wake.

Scannell, 22, took the chance given to him by head coach Anthony Foley when veteran Denis Hurley was injured midway through Munster’s trying campaign.

In the academy at the time, the Corkman did more than just keep his head above water, he made the inside-centre berth his own, starting each of the province’s 16 games since Christmas Day and forging an exciting midfield partnership with New Zealander Francis Saili as he became his side’s most-capped back with 26 appearances last term.