Business time as Tadhg Beirne seeks Munster liftoff against Leinster

Beirne will start at lock on Saturday, seven days after making his comeback from an ankle injury sustained during the Six Nations victory over France another 11 weeks before that

TIMELY RETURN: Tadhg Beirne during a Munster training session. Pic: INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Do not be fooled by Tadhg Beirne’s laidback persona that presents itself to the world for six and a half days a week. Once the Ireland forward crosses the white line on Saturday afternoon at Aviva Stadium to face his native province Leinster he will be all business, gameface on and driven to succeed - for himself, his loved ones and for Munster Rugby.

This much we know from an enlightening conversation with Beirne at Thomond Park earlier this week as he looked forward to Saturday’s BKT URC semi-final derby with hot favourites Leinster, spoke of his confidence that Saturday could just be the day when the tables are turned on the boys in blue, and reflected on just what makes him such a fierce competitor for a couple of hours on match day.