Conor Oliver: 'The Munster game is always on my calendar. It’s a fun one for me'

Conor Oliver in training

Connacht flanker Conor Oliver may have been born in Skerries and won a Leinster senior cup medal with Blackrock College, but it is the games against Munster which he always puts in his calendar and looks forward to them.

The 28-year old is now finishing his fourth season with Connacht and has become an integral part of Pete Wilkins’ side, featuring in 19 of their 21 games so far this season.

He’s hoping to continue that sort of form on Saturday as he returns to Thomond Park and renews rivalry with a Munster side where he spent five seasons, coming through their academy to make 28 senior appearances.

“The Munster game is always put in my calendar, a lot of people know that by now. It’s a fun one for me, obviously,” said Oliver.

“I still know a lot of the lads there. I’m very fond of my time there in Munster as well, so going back there and playing in Thomond Park and stuff, it really is a special game for me and I’m really looking forward to it.” Andy Friend brought him up the road to Connacht as game-time was limited in a congested back row with Munster and he has developed into a key figure, making 82 appearances so far.

No surprise then when he signed a contract extension last month and the former Irish U-20 is excited about what he sees happening on and off the field with Connacht.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here so far and I just want to build on that,” he added. “I think we are building something very special here, each year we are making a step forward. For me it’s really exciting times so it was a no-brainer when it came to signing.

“I’m excited for the rest of this season and I’m excited to see where Connacht can go as a team, as a club, with new facilities being built. It is a really exciting time here.

“I came here four years ago and I think I have grown as a person. I was in a little bit of limbo when I left Munster. I wasn’t really sure of where I was going or what I was going to do in rugby.

“But then I came here and found my feet again. I found the love of the game again, to be honest. And each year, now as I get older, I have learned to lead by example as well in terms of my own game.” He hasn't given up hope either of senior international honours to add to his Irish U-20 appearances and knows that the superb consistent form he has shown this season in particular is giving him the best possible chance of getting a call-up.

“For me, my ambition and goal has always been international caps. I’ve said it before. For me, the process has changed over the years. I’ve had to go different routes to try and get there.

“I’m not there yet, but I definitely believe in myself and I think that’s the next step for me.” He goes back into the shop window at Thomond Park on Saturday knowing that a win would give a massive boost to Connacht’s hopes of knockout rugby and a place in next season’s Champions Cup.