After a 23 hour journey Cullen was clearly jaded but still was willing to sit down and answer reporters questions and then sit patiently signing autographs and posing for photographs. Agreeing that a move to Ireland was a big step Cullen said.

"I haven't seen much Irish rugby outside international rugby. I've seen a bit of Heineken Cup rugby and it's seems to be a pretty good standard of footy.

My manager Dave Monnery came over here to see how things were and thought things would be good. But when he came back he said things were better than good. There were other options open to me, in Japan and France, but Munster was easily the best one. I think the lifestyle here will suit, there's no language barrier and when you look the window here now (Sun - Cork Airport) the weather's a bit like New Zealand.. Maybe a bit colder and a bit wetter you get used to that.

"I guess my time was up in New Zealand and I've no regrets about that. I'm looking forward now to this period of my career with Munster. I've had a good run with Wellington and the all Blacks and I'm happy with that, happy with what I've done for them. I think i've still got a lot to offer. i just want to get out there and do my best for Munster, for my new teammates."

It is expected that Cullen will be in the Munster starting line-up for their Celtic League match against Cardiff Blues in Musgrave Park on November 28th.