Getting To Know Pat Howard

With two PRO12 and one Champions Cup appearance under his belt since joining the province last month, find out a little more about Munster’s latest recruit to the midfield.

Western Province centre Howard joined Munster on a three-month contract in November and went on to make his PRO12 debut as a replacement against Newport Gwent Dragons later that month. He made his first league start a week later against Ulster in Thomond Park.

Last weekend saw Howard make his Champions Cup debut last weekend against Clermont Auvergne, doing so from the start and playing the full 80 minutes.

Like former Munsterman Jean de Villiers, Howard has represented Western Province in the Currie Cup, making his debut against Free State Cheetahs in August 2012 and going on to make 11 appearances in the competition.

Speaking last month, Howard discussed his decision make the move to Munster.

"He (de Villiers) recommended me and he's a very good leader and role model at Western Province so it's good to come to Munster and follow in the footsteps of him.

"I had been told bits from Jean de Villiers but the reputation of Munster Rugby is worldwide. A mate of mine, scrum half Nick Groom of the Western Province – he said that Munster was his dream club to play for at one stage. It's a top club, world renowned and it's an honour to come and play here."

Name: Patrick Benjamin Howard

Favourite Food: Sushi

Book you are currently reading or have just finished: City of Bones by Michael Connelly

Favourite TV programme: Suits

Favourite Film: Step Brothers

Favourite Actor/Actress: Amber Heard

Most enjoyable holiday location: Canada

Marooned on a desert island what could you not be without: Chocolate milk

Favourite sport other than rugby: Basketball

The sport you least like: Swimming

Person you would most like to meet: Taylor Swift

Sportsperson you admire most: Conrad Smith

Hobbies: Fly fishing, horse riding, polo, golf, piano

Where and when did you first play rugby: In Grade 5 (age 11) at Cordwalles, a junior school in Natal, South Africa

Biggest influence on career: Mark Whitelaw, the 1st team coach at Cordwalles

Best career advice you were given: Never stop enjoying it

What you like most/least about being a rugby player: Most – the thrill and adrenaline of playing a big match / Least – the preseason fitness

Other sports that you played: Soccer, polo, field hockey, basketball, athletics, cricket

Best rugby memory: Winning the 2012 Junior World Cup

Rugby player you admire most: Conrad Smith

Rugby team you admire most: All Blacks

Sporting event you would most like to attend: NBA Finals

Three people you would invite to dinner and why: Jamie Oliver so he can cook, Amber Heard because she’s pleasant to look at, and Michael McIntyre for a laugh.

If you weren’t a rugby player what would you be: A basketball player or professional table tennis player

Place in the province you most like be/chill out: I’ve only just arrived, so I will have to experience it all

Pre-match rituals: Write a bible verse on my wrist strapping

Favourite song or band you like to train to or listen to before a game: No particular artist, just a few good house songs

Who would you least like to room with and why: Paul O’Connell, I hear he’d put the fear of God in me!