Nankivell ready to step into departing leaders' shoes 

The former Chiefs centre, who moved to Ireland in the summer following the 2023 URC title success, said he had not been aware of Munster’s winless record at Kings Park.

BKT United Rugby Championship, Virgin Media Park, Cork, Ireland 16/5/2025

Munster’s ability to negotiate the pressure-filled challenge of reaching the URC play-offs has given Alex Nankivell the belief his side has the right tools to go into Saturday’s quarter-final at the Sharks with confidence.

Having dug a hole for themselves with back-to-back league defeats following their Champions Cup quarter-final exit at Bordeaux-Begles last month, Munster rescued their campaign to secure a place in the knockout rounds with bonus-point wins on successive weekends over Ulster and Benetton.