In Pics: Zebre Preparations

17th August 2016 By Munster Rugby

See our training gallery as the Munster squad, including new arrival Jean Kleyn, took to the training field in the glorious summer sun at UL yesterday. Munster will play their first game of the Kearys Renault Series on Friday at 7pm, welcoming Zebre to the Waterford RSC.

Click here to see our training gallery.

In looking ahead to what will be his first game as Director of Rugby with the province, Rassie Erasmus commented, “We’re glad to get into it (the new season). It’s been five or six weeks of trying and implementing a few things and the challenge is now to take that into a game situation. Hopefully we’ll see that come to the fore on Friday.

“We will have an extended squad, giving a lot of young guys an opportunity as well as playing a number of our more settled and experienced guys. There is a lot of youth, talent and potential out there, guys who can make their mark, and that would sum up the team for this weekend. For me the excitement of Friday is to see what has worked over the past number of weeks, as well as what hasn’t and then we can work on those.”

The past week has also seen his fellow countryman Jean Kleyn link up with the squad, the South African lock making the move from Super Rugby side The Stormers. “Jean has only been with us since last week so he will not be involved this weekend. Not only does Jean need to get to grips with training and the systems here, but it’s only fair to the guys who have done all the training that they get their chance. Jean will have his opportunity the following week. He has settled in well, is injury free and it looks like he is adapting well to the squad vibe. He will be an excellent addition to the team.”

Be there to cheer on Munster in Waterford. Tickets can be purchased at the ground on matchday, online here, or by calling 061 421103.

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