Guinazu: ‘Enjoying My Rugby Here’

Having signed a contract extension that will keep him at Munster until the end of the season, we chat with Argentinian international Eusebio Guinazu as he looks forward to further involvement with the province in the coming months.

Since his arrival on a short term contract in September, the hooker has made 11 appearances in the famous red jersey, three of which were in the inaugural European Champions Cup. Proving himself to be a valuable addition to the squad, the decision to extend his stay came easily to both team management and the player alike.

“I came originally for three months and was due to finish after the second Sale European game but then I was given the opportunity to stay until the end of the season and I am really happy about that. I’m really enjoying my rugby here and hopefully I’ll get some more game time.”

“I really like it because it’s a good mix of the passion the boys feel playing in their provincial jersey together with a great professional set-up. The fans are incredible and the area is beautiful – it’s a really nice club to play for.

“It took me a while to get used to the accents but it’s all sorted now and I understand quite well. There are a few of the lads that I still struggle with but I’ll be ok”, he said while smiling.

In his career to date, the 33 year old has plied his trade in his native Argentina, South Africa, France and England, featuring for the likes of Toulon, Biarritz, The Stormers, and Bath. So how does the game here compare?

“It’s very good and very interesting because we play a lot of Welsh, Italian and Scottish teams, etc, who all bring their own rugby cultures to each game.

“The PRO12 is a very tough competition with a lot of travel between different countries. It’s a high level and I find it very interesting.”

A spate of injuries at loosehead saw the versatile Guinazu provide cover in the position on four occasions this season, however the international maintains that he is first and foremost, a hooker.

“I am definitely a hooker but I can play prop as I did before in my career. I grew up as a loosehead before moving to hooker and I played for a few years at tighthead as well, but at this stage I am definitely a hooker. If something happens to one of the other guys I don’t mind moving around but hooker is my strongest position.”

After making his first start in his preferred position during the province’s last outing at Irish Independent Park – defeating Cardiff Blues 33-16 – the arrival of PRO12 table toppers Glasgow Warriors into Cork is next on the Mendoza native's agenda.

“They are a top them who have been playing very well. Glasgow are probably the best side in the competition so far and they were very strong last year as well. This is an important game to set out where we want to go and to lay down a marker – we need to put in a good performance against teams like these if we have hopes of being league contenders. I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”

“They (Warriors) are experienced and talented players, and they are a very heavy pack too. It takes time to wear a group like that down but we are aware of them and we know our own strengths as well so it’s up to us to bring the challenge to them and try to impose our own game on them.

“Set pieces will be massively important. We need to keep the ball because if we give them the ball they are very dangerous. Maintaining possession allows us to play our own game.”

From as little as €;20, you can be there cheering on Munster under Saturday-Night-Lights at the new Irish Independent Park in Cork.

LESS THAN 2,000 TICKETS REMAINING!

Get your tickets online here, from the Munster Rugby ticket offices in Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, or by calling 0818 719 300.

Kids go free with our great value Family Terrace Pack available from €;40 (2 adults & 2 children) online here.

Munster V Glasgow Warriors, Guinness PRO12 Round 16, Saturday February 28th – KO 7:15pm.