Howard Settles In

New signing Pat Howard met with media for the first time yesterday and chatted about settling in at the province and acclimatising to the Irish winter.

Earlier this month the South African native began a three month contract with Munster to bolster the options at midfield due to injuries to Keith Earls and Cian Bohane and the deferred arrival of Tyler Bleyendaal.

Like Howard, former Munster centre Jean de Villiers represents Western Province in the Currie Cup, with Munster’s latest recruit also well acquainted with the current South African contingent of the squad.

“From what I hear he (de Villiers) is one of the reasons I’m here – he recommended me and he’s a very good leader and role model at Western Province so it’s good to come to Munster and follow in the footsteps of him.

“Gerhard van den Heever was actually at the Stormers with me for about a year and a half before he came over here so I know him quite well – I’ve played with him a few times.

“Also CJ (Stander) was with the Bulls, I had met him already, and BJ (Botha) is actually from my home province of Natal so ya, it’s nice to have some familiar faces around and some familiar accents as well.”

Hungry for game time at his new home for the coming months, Howard hopes to be included in Anthony Foley’s matchday squad to face Ulster which is due to be announced on Thursday at midday.

“I got about 6 minutes off the bench against Dragons and it’s obviously my first few weeks here and I’m hoping to get a little more than that to keep improving and to get used to the structures here.”

As well as knowing some of his new team-mates before arriving at Munster, the former South African U20 international was already well versed in the history and reputation of the province.

“I had been told bits from Jean de Villiers but the reputation of Munster Rugby is worldwide. A mate of mine, scrum half Nick Groom of the Western Province – he said that Munster was his dream club to play for at one stage. It’s a top club, world renowned and it’s an honour to come and play here.”

Having departed the South African summer for the coming months, Howard finds himself acclimatising nicely to the Irish winter.

“Where I come from in South Africa is pretty high up so I’m well used to the cold. To be honest it’s been mild so far. Some of the boys have been telling me that winter is actually still coming and it’s going to get a bit colder. I won’t be so fond of that but it’s something to get used to and it’s a small price to pay for being in such a great club and great place.”