Joe McCarthy: RG Snyman competition will 'bring out the best' at Leinster

Leinster lock Joe McCarthy insists he is relishing the arrival of RG Snyman from Munster, saying the addition of the double World Cup winner can only improve his game.

The 28-year-old South African second row's controversial move was confirmed before Christmas and he'll join at the end of the current season.

A shoulder / chest injury is expected to keep him sidelined until the latter stages of the season.

"[RG is] a great player, I'm sure it will be very exciting to see," said the 22-year-old Dubliner.

"It's a long way away but he's a class player so he should add a lot.

"I suppose there's loads of competition now and he'll add more, which is great. It's never good to be comfortable in your position. You always want to be fighting, that brings out the best in you.

"I love trying to learn from different people. Different perspectives are class, even now we've got Jason [Jenkins], he's South African and brings something different. It's class learning off him and Jacques [Nienaber] already.

"We've got Goodie [Andrew Goodman, backs coach] from New Zealand obviously, Leo is world class, Robin [McBryde, scrum coach] from Wales, it's unbelievable having so many different thinkers of the game. I love just soaking up as much as I can.

"The more voices the better."

McCarthy said he enjoyed the battle against Munster after Leinster came out 9-3 winners in difficult conditions on St Stephen's Day.

He was at the heart of everything good as three Harry Byrne penalties saw the visitors return to the top of the BKT URC standings.

Named player of the match for his all-action display on both sides of the ball in wet and windy conditions, the Ireland international said: " I kind of enjoy it, to be honest.

"I don't mind scrumming and mauling all day,