Denis wants swift return to first XV

MUNSTER winger Denis Hurley, has told rugby writer AOIFE DANAGHER how his season has gone so far.

”Going back to pre-season, I started with the first group of lads back in June. I kind of had a little bit of upset with the hamstring again following on from last year, but it’s come good again.

"I was back for the first pre-season match against Leicester. I played the full game on the wing there, sorry I played 75 minutes ... I got a knock on the head so I came off with that and missed the next couple of games. My neck was a bit sore after it. From there then it was just about trying to get a bit of game time. The two ‘A’ games were the only opportunities I had with the back three that is there at the moment. It’s been hard to get any game time.

"The two ‘A’ games gave me an opportunity to play a bit of ball, so I got two opportunities there. I suppose any bit of game time these days is good.”

Hurley played in the Munster A game two weeks ago and was involved with Munster last Friday night in Glasgow. The Munster A squad overcame the Ulster A beating them 30-3. Hurley explains how he was in good shape for this game, and how he is delighted to be back playing rugby again.

“I suppose the ball never really came my way too much that night, so I didn’t get too much open space. But I’m moving freely and I’m enjoying playing rugby. I’m fairly fresh and strong after a good pre-season, so I’m happy to be playing a bit of ball again.

“My major goal is just to get back into the Munster starting XV, especially when the Heineken Cup comes around.

"That can be my only goal at this point, just getting back off an injury last year which upset my season. That has to be my main goal, especially with the talent that is around at the moment with younger players coming through.”