Munster are getting one hell of a player.
Tadhg Beirne has had quite the time of it over the last few years. After leaving Leinster two years ago, he came close to quitting the game altogether to pursue a career as a real estate agent before being handed a lifeline by Scarlets.
And he has certainly made the most of it. Beirne has forged a reputation as one of the most exciting loose forwards in European rugby and he further enhanced that billing on Friday night during Scarlets’ Champions Cup quarter-final win over La Rochelle.
Scarlets reached their first semi-final for 11 years after a convincing 29-17 win over the French side at Parc y Scarlets.
Although Ken Owens was named man of the match, there was plenty of buzz surrounding Beirne’s performance, especially after the 26-year-old’s lineout steal with ten minutes left to play.
Beirne will return to Ireland at the end of the season when he joins Munster and, suffice to say, the province’s fans are bubbling with excitement at the prospect of the second row turning out in red at Thomond Park.
https://twitter.com/AonghusOMaicin/status/979787672993587206
Looking forward to seeing Tadhg Beirne in Thomond Park next season. 1st QF very entertaining watch #ChampionsCup #SCAvLAR 🏉
— Róisín Glynn (@RoisinGlynn) March 30, 2018
@scarlets_rugby immense. Incredible heart and desire – Tadhg Beirne top drawer, @Munsterrugby are signing one of the best back five players in the world IMO! #scavlar
— Peter Weir (@Weirsy09) March 30, 2018
https://twitter.com/omahony_eoin/status/979786473271644160
Tadhg Beirne @longdogbeirne has been awesome for #Scarlets today #SCAvLAR will be brilliant addition to @IrishRugby next season
— Eoin Healy (@eoinheal) March 30, 2018
What a player Tadhg Beirne is. A world class forward, probably in the best form of any in the northern hemisphere.
Injuries aside a certain Lion in South Africa. Huge bonus for Ireland and Munster next season. Crazy to think they won the 6N at a canter without him.
— Ross Marno (@rossmarno) March 30, 2018
Please don't let Tadhg Beirne have the Robin Copeland experience of going from the Scarlets to Munster. He's a beast. Copeland starting to show his goods now on his way out but tomorrow to the end of year, we'd take
— Daragh Ó Conchúir (@RebelDevil71) March 30, 2018
The Champions Cup action continues with Munster hosting Toulon on Saturday before Leinster take on Saracens on Sunday.
In conclusion: Beirne is good. Seriously good. We’ve all known it for some time but it’s going to be exciting watching him finally make his senior debut for Ireland. He’s certainly waited long enough.
