JJ Hanrahan holds impact role as young guns fire up for battle royale

Munster think highly enough of Ben Healy, Jake Flannery, and Jack Crowley to have advanced each of the academy trio of 21-year-olds to senior contracts for next season

JJ Hanrahan’s selection for Saturday indicates how much of a safety blanket the 28-year-old provided Munster at number 10. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

The appearance of JJ Hanrahan’s name in Saturday’s Munster matchday squad to face Toulouse is telling.

In the week he exercised his right not extend his stay with the cash-strapped province and instead take advantage of a golden opportunity to sign on the dotted line for Clermont Auvergne and life in the French Top 14 starting next season, Hanrahan will provide back-up to starting fly-half Joey Carbery for Saturday afternoon’s Heineken Champions Cup knockout clash at Thomond Park.