CHRIS FARRELL HAS been enjoying the early stages of life as a Munster player, with the former Ulster centre relishing the competition for places at the southern province. After three years with Grenoble, Farrell has signed a two-year deal with Munster.
The 24-year-old will be aiming to make an impression in a midfield where Rory Scannell and Jaco Taute were the main men last season. Farrell is keen to force his way in and plans on marking his debut season with a medal.
A few weeks into pre-season training in Limerick, he told Munster Rugby’s official website: “If you don’t have competition within your own club, how are you going to perform and how are you going to better yourself? That’s exactly why we need to push each other on.
“Having seen them over the last few weeks — Dan [Goggin], Sam Arnold and a few of the other boys — they’re all very, very good. It’ll be a good battle over the next few weeks in pre-season and going into the start of the season.”
Farrell added: “Based on what happened here last season, we’ve got to aim for a trophy or to try and get some silverware.”
Having made his Ulster debut at just 18, Farrell left for France in 2014. It was the right move at the right time for the six-foot-four centre, who’s already familiar with two of Munster’s other new signings this season. Farrell played alongside James Hart at Grenoble and he was a team-mate of JJ Hanrahan with the Ireland U20 squad.
He said: “I was young, so a lot of people say it must have been difficult because I left Ulster when I was only 21 and a lot of people from Ireland don’t do that. But it was simple enough for me. I had a few injuries and stuff, and there was an opportunity there to go with an Irish coach who was moving into a new club.
“I just needed a fresh start in my mind so it all worked out very well. I had three good years. I had a lot of game time, which was exactly what I was after. It went very well.”
Farrell’s first chance to make an impact is likely to be the pre-season friendly against Worcester Warriors at Sixways on 24 August.
