Graham Rowntree sees a future for Tom Ahern in new flanker role

Tom Ahern's move from second to back row was hiding in plain sight, and Munster head coach Graham Rowntree says we should expect to see a lot more of the 23-year-old wearing the number 6 shirt this season.

The 6f 9in forward had been regarded as one of the best second row prospects in the country in recent years, but his short-term future looks set to be in the back row after impressing in his short run of games in that position.

Ahern's name first popped up on the Munster team sheet in the back row last month ahead of his side's meeting with Leinster at the Aviva Stadium. The former Ireland U20 international's speed and agility have always belied his huge frame, and with three tries in just four games in his new role, it looks like he's a natural fit for how Munster attack. The only question is why it took us all so long to realise it.

Swapping from second to back row may not look like much on paper, but it does allow Ahern play to his strengths. The province tend to hold their flankers out on the wide channels, and his tries against Glasgow Warriors and Exeter Chiefs show that when they can get the ball to him in open space, he's a very hard man to stop.

The province are dealing with a near-injury crisis at present, particularly at second row where they were without Jean Kleyn, Fineen Wycherley, Edwin Edogbo and RG Snyman for the meeting with Exeter last weekend. With that in mind it was notable that Rowntree resisted the urge to move Ahern back up to the second row, instead getting Gavin Coombes to shift up to lock.

And ahead of their St Stephen's Day rematch with Leinster at Thomond Park, Rowntree (below) says their initial experiment is likely to become a more permanent selection.

"I'm not going to lie, I think you’ll see