Conor Murray Reveals Just How Much Of An Impact Rassie Erasmus Is Already Having On Munster

Munster put their hands up last season and finally admitted that change was needed.

For many years Munster were known as one of the real giants of Europe. Teams were terrified to travel to ‘fortress’ Thomond Park with the southern province racking up two titles in 06 and 08 as well as reaching numerous semi-finals and finals.

Last season saw the province dumped out at the group stage for the second successive season and Munster finally had enough. The decision to create a new Director of Rugby role was welcomed and the man tasked with that role is highly rated South African Rassie Erasmus.

Munster scrumhalf, Conor Murray was speaking today at the launch of their new away kit and he has revealed that Erasmus is already having a massive impact and it already feels like a ‘new club’

“We’ve got a massive year this year,” Murray told The42.ie. “We’ve got a massive November, a massive year for the province. It’s got a new look to it and speaking to the lads while I’ve been away, they’re really enthusiastic about it.

“Rassie and Jacques have instilled a new look and a new freshness. With Felix (Jones) there, Axel (Foley) there, and Fla (Jerry Flannery), lads that you know really well, there’s still a good bit of experience there and the lads are just loving training at the moment. It’s just a breath of fresh air.”

Murray has yet to return to training following his Irish commitments, but his teammates have let him know what to expect from the new man.

The new training centre on top of that as well, it just feels like you’re going back to almost a new club. It’s probably well timed after what happened last year.

“It’s a new philosophy, a new voice.“[Simon Zebo] said there’s a lot of emphasis on physicality and dominating your opposition, which is very South African. The way we’ve been trying to play in the breakdown, we’ve been using it for the last year and it’s still there.

“New voices, new players coming back, a lot of combinations make it that fresh. I’m looking forward to getting back; I genuinely can’t wait.”