Keep calm and carry on — Beirne will be different type of Munster captain

The Munster camp is fielding harsh criticism after Saturday's defeat by Zebre, an early test of new captain Tadhg Beirne's leadership.

LEAD FROM THE FRONT: Tadhg Beirne at Munster training in UL, Limerick. Pic: INPHO/Ben Brady

There was a time when Tadhg Beirne would joke with team-mates about his capacity for captaincy but his introduction as Munster’s newest permanent skipper comes as the squad he spearheads looks in need of some strong leadership.

Beirne is one of three heavyweight returnees to Munster’s ranks after a delayed pre-season following Ireland’s summer tour to South Africa. The new captain is in line to lead his new charges into URC battle against Ospreys in Cork this Saturday alongside his predecessor Peter O’Mahony and fly-half Jack Crowley.