Munster future bright as old and new hands deliver crucial silverware

Munster were crowned unlikely URC champions in Cape Town on Saturday evening.

Unlikely, not because they weren't full value for their win, more so because of the route they took to winning the league.

From a transitional period of bedding in a new gameplan with new coaches and a poor league position, to transforming their attacking structures and winning against the league's toughest opponents in a succession of away matches.

This means more than a league win to a lot of Munster people. It brings new hope of success for the younger crop, the likes of Gavin Coombes, John Hodnett, Jack Crowley and others.

It’s also deserved recognition for Peter O’Mahony, Stephen Archer, Conor Murray and Keith Earls. Players that have been a long time on the road and never opted out. Guys that had a chance to experience something different but stayed in the hope of continuing their Irish and Munster careers because of what it means to them.

Maybe some will say it’s only a league win and means nothing compared to a European success. I can’t agree with that sentiment. This is a much more challenging league to win with the addition of the South African franchises, the extra travel and added challengers for a title.

The league is different from Munster’s last victory in 2011. It’s also different from the league that any of the other Irish provinces last won. No, it’s not a European Cup, but it’s a huge win for Munster and it’s one of the major steps back to where the club believes it should be, at the top of club rugby.

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