The Munster senior squad was boosted by the addition of four Greencore Munster Rugby Academy members this summer as Craig Casey (20), Gavin Coombes (21), Shane Daly (22) and Seán O’Connor (22) all made the step up to the senior ranks.

The Munster senior squad was boosted by the addition of four Greencore Munster Rugby Academy members this summer as Craig Casey (20), Gavin Coombes (21), Shane Daly (22) and Seán O’Connor (22) all made the step up to the senior ranks.

The quartet have already played Guinness PRO14 rugby for the province as Academy players but this summer sees them take part in pre-season training as members of the senior squad for the first time.

There has been a firm focus on honing skills and improving fitness throughout the pre-season training programme across the squad with the Academy players taking the step up in their stride.

With Munster’s international contingent training with the Ireland squad ahead of next month’s Rugby World Cup, there is a fantastic opportunity for the province’s younger players to get valuable game time in the opening weeks of the season.

We spoke to Seán O’Connor and Gavin Coombes last week about how pre-season training is going for them and how their time in the Academy has prepared them for the senior squad.

VIDEO | Seán O’Connor and Gavin Coombes On Pre-Season

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Pre-Season Fixtures

Friday, September 13

Munster v London Irish, Irish Independent Park, 7.30pm; Buy tickets here.

Saturday, September 21

Connacht v Munster, Sportsground, 3pm;