'Fond memories' bring Munster back to their Cape Town happy place

Munster head coach Graham Rowntree also confirmed that Jean Kleyn will be available to play next season.

Simon Zebo during a Munster training session in Cape Town, South Africa. Picture: ©INPHO/Steve Haag Sports

Munster are back in a happy place, and not just in terms of results. Saturday’s historic victory in the Bulls’ backyard at Loftus Versfeld was a statement of the URC champions’ intent not give up their title lightly. And they have decamped from altitude to sea level and the scene of their Grand Final win 11 months ago to recharge and prepare for battle anew on the Highveld, against the Lions at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park this weekend.

What was once viewed, outside the camp at least, as a daunting long-haul tour at a critical point in the season and in the wake of a demoralising Champions Cup Round of 16 exit at Northampton Saints three weeks ago, now looks like an endorsement of Munster’s credentials as back-to-back champions.