Getting To Know Tyler Bleyendaal

In his first interview since arriving at the province in January, Tyler Bleyendaal takes time out to chat about his time at Munster to date. Having successfully recovered post-surgery for a prolapsed disc, the New Zealander is relishing a return to competitive action.

Four months in and along with completing his return to play programme under the auspices of the Munster medical team, the 25 year old has used the time to get acquainted with his new surroundings and Munster team-mates.

“It’s been great since arriving, I’ve settled into the squad, everyone has been very inviting which is nice and I’m getting to know my way round that bit more. I haven’t seen as much of the place as I would like yet, too busy settling in I guess, but we do have plans to travel. I’ve been to Lahinch, although I haven’t been surfing yet, but hopefully I will get the chance during some down-time.”

Indicative of his competitive nature, looking on from the side-lines since his arrival was never easy for the former Canterbury playmaker.

“I’m delighted to have made the recovery and to be back playing – you feel part of the team when you are training fully and able to play.

“I love playing, so to be training hard and not get the reward of playing in competitive games at the weekend is the hardest part of being injured.”

Captaining New Zealand U20s to a Junior World Cup title in 2010, and once the understudy to Dan Carter at the Canterbury Crusaders where he made 20 Super Rugby appearances, a deep rooted respect for the tradition and future of Munster Rugby made Tyler’s decision to venture north all the easier to make.

“Munster have a lot of tradition and that was a big part of my decision to come here. The fact that it’s a well-respected and successful club with everything in place for more success in the future made it an easy decision to make. Everyone I talked to had good things to say about the club so I had no hesitation.

“The culture especially was a big thing for me and obviously the rugby speaks for itself, and I certainly hope to play my part in the club going forward.”

The out-half was given his first chance to ‘play his part’ just over a fortnight ago when Munster ‘A’ completed a series victory over the Ulster Ravens – Tyler showcasing an impressive skillset when landing two conversions and exercising good control at a windswept Naas RFC.

“It was great, it went very quickly that’s for sure and naturally enough I was sore for a few days after, which was actually a great feeling to have again. With things going so fast I couldn’t remember too many details of the game other than that I came through it safely and I really enjoyed myself.”

With a lot still to play for this season, it remains to be seen if the Christchurch native will feature, but regardless of what happens, Tyler is looking forward with optimism to his time in Munster, with fellow New Zealander Francis Saili also joining the Munster ranks next season.

“I don’t know what this season has left for me but certainly I’m excited looking ahead. I’m looking forward to getting a full pre-season under my belt and building towards next year – hopefully it will be on the back of a successful end to this year.”

Name: Tyler Bleyendaal

Favourite food: Thai street food

Favourite TV programme: Gold Rush

Favourite film: Remember the Titans

Favourite actor/actress: Denzel Washington

Most enjoyable holiday location: Bondi in Sydney, Australia

Marooned on a desert island what could you not be without: Sky TV

Favourite sport other than rugby: NFL

Person you would most like to meet: Tom Brady

Sportsperson you admire most: Ricky Fowler

Hobbies: Hunting, drinking coffees, golf

Where and when did you first play rugby: Christchurch, New Zealand in 1997

Biggest influence on career: The wonderful of family and friends

Best career advice you were given: Enjoy what you do

What you like most/least about being a rugby player: Being around mates all the time is the best, but
injuries are the worst part

Other sports that you played: Cricket and volleyball

Best rugby memory: JWC 2010, winning the final vs Australia

Rugby player you admire most: Andy Ellis, Crusaders and New Zealand scrum half

Rugby team you admire most: All Blacks

Sporting event you would most like to attend: The Super Bowl

Three people you would invite to dinner and why: Rory McIlroy as he’s the best in the world at what he does, and he does it at such a young age, Phil Spencer as I have an interest in property design and development, and Manny Pacquiao – a fierce fighter but very humble and grounded outside of the ring

If you weren’t a rugby player what would you be doing: Coaching or designing houses

Place in the province you most like to chill out: Anywhere on the coast

Favourite song or band you like to train to or listen to before a game: Not fussy really, I listen to whatever is playing in the gym and I don't listen to music before a game