Alex Kendellen excited by chance to play in Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Alex Kendellen grew up in the shadow of Páirc Uí Chaoimh but he thought his chances of playing at the iconic venue were over when he swapped the round ball for an oval one.

Kendellen was a Gaelic footballer with St Michael's and hurled with Blackrock but never played at the Páirc, however he will realise that dream on Thursday when Munster face a South Africa XV.

History will be made as Páirc Uí Chaoimh hosts its first rugby match, with a sell-out crowd of 41,400 making it the largest attendance for a rugby game in the province.

"I’ve never played there with any of the GAA teams but I live pretty close to it," said Kendellen.

"My family home is a stone’s throw away from it, we have a family business that’s just up the road. It’s a pretty cool thing going back to the hometown.

"It’s exciting for me and my family. These are the games you want to play in. It’s obviously a different experience but I’m really looking forward to it.

"It’s a nice change-up and there’s no better test than the Springboks coming to Cork to play."

Having been stood down for a number of weeks due to concussion, Kendellen made his return to the Munster back row for their last outing against Ulster, where a second-half fightback fell short.

Munster have lost five of their seven BKT United Rugby Championship matches this season but Kendellen insist they are on the right track under the new coaching ticket.

"Training has definitely ramped up a lot but it's very enjoyable and you’re reaping those rewards on the pitch then," said the back row.

"I’m enjoying my rugby a lot. There has been a lot of change and it’s change for the good.

"There’s so much competition in the back row here at Munster. You’re just trying to put your hand up during the week for training."

Muns