Munster's James Cronin relishing Donncha O’Callaghan link-up for Barbarians

The prospect of playing for the Barbarians against Tonga tomorrow night and in the same side as Donncha O’Callaghan is helping Munster’s James Cronin forget the injuries that have plagued and seriously damaged his career — with the prop now hopeful better times must surely lie ahead.

“I never thought I’d get to play with Donners again,” he enthuses. “I’d be actually very close to him so it’s great to link up with him once more. He’s been with UNICEF in Africa this week. In fairness what a great guy and I couldn’t talk highly enough about him as a professional and as a fella — he’s top of the pops.

“It’s a massive honour to play for the Barbarians and an opportunity to play with some of the game’s greatest. You grow up and see those great teams and tries from the 70s. Obviously, I wasn’t born in 1973 but I know all about Gareth Edwards’ famous try in Cardiff. The brand of rugby associated with the Barbarians shows the way rugby can be played, throwing it around and scoring those fantastic tries, like they did on Saturday last. It’s one of those things, if the opportunity arises, you want to grab it with both hands and I feel very fortunate to be invited.