Standing tall at 6’4” and with a turn of pace to boot, new signing Chris Farrell promises to be an imposing midfield figure for Munster this season. We chat with the Ulster native as he settles back into life in Ireland.
Playing his underage rugby with Cloher Valley RFC in Co. Tyrone, within just six months of completing his second level studies at Campbell College, Farrell had made his senior debut for Ulster in an interprovincial derby against Leinster where he came face-to-face with one of his all-time heroes, Gordon D’Arcy.
Spending an injury-blighted three seasons in the professional ranks at Ulster, Farrell made a handful of appearances for the northern outfit but such was the wealth of established talent across their backline, the then 21-year-old made the brave decision to head for France in search of game time.
It was a move that paid dividends, becoming a regular in the Grenoble midfield, showcasing power, pace and a nose for the tryline, scoring no less than ten tries across the Top 14 and European Challenge Cup.
Coincidentally, the centre is well acquainted with two fellow recruits at Munster this season, previously playing for Ireland U20s with the returning JJ Hanrahan and spending two seasons alongside James Hart in Grenoble.
This season sees Farrell commence a two-year deal at the province.
Name: Chris Farrell
Favourite Food: Paella
Book you are currently reading or have just finished: Johnny Cash autobiography
Favourite TV programme: Currently, How To Get Away With Murder
Favourite Film: Lawless
Favourite Actor/Actress: Tom Hardy
Most enjoyable holiday location: Iceland
Marooned on a desert island what could you not be without: Chocolate
Favourite sport other than rugby: Golf
The sport you least like: Long distance athletics
Person you would most like to meet: Joe Rogan, comedian and retired martial artist
Sportsperson you admire most: Rodger Federer
Hobbies: Exploring
Where and when did you first play rugby: Clogher Valley RFC when I was 11-years-old
Biggest influence on career: Parents
Best career advice you were given: Find alternative interests to distract and refresh your thought processes from being 24/7 rugby
What you like most/least about being a rugby player: Most is the buzz of a full stadium, least are the injuries associated.
Other sports that you played: Soccer and golf badly!
Best rugby memory: First professional cap
Rugby player you admire most: Brian O’Driscoll
Rugby team you admire most: The All Blacks
Sporting event you would most like to attend: Masters at Augusta
Three people you would invite to dinner and why: David Attenborough – to share his live experiences. Donald Trump – I enjoy some controversial opinions in moderation. Sir Alex Ferguson – insight into strong characters in football.
If you weren’t a rugby player what would you be: African safari park ranger
Place in the province you most like be / chill out: So far Lahinch is nice in the sun
Have you any pre-match rituals: None
Favourite song or band you like to train to or listen to before a game: Bag Raider, Shooting Stars
Who would you least like to room with and why: Jean Klyen, an exceptionally large being who would make the room feel cramped!
