MUNSTER BACK-ROW SEAN DOUGALL has spoken of his delight at earning a new deal with the province.
The Scottish-born player, who joined last summer from the Rotherham Titans, has been one of the stars of Rob Penney’s young team and was rewarded with a new two-year contract earlier this week.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given,” said the 23-year-old, who qualifies to play for Ireland and has represented the team at both U18 and U19 levels.
“I have to pinch myself when I think of where I was last season. I was delighted when they approached me for a two-year deal, I was surprised but I’ve obviously done something right.
“There’s a new coach, new system in place, a lot of young fellas in the team and it’s good for me to know I’m surrounded by these players and these coaches,” Dougall told Cork’s Red FM before Munster’s RaboDirect PRO12 clash with Cardiff Blues at Musgrave Park.
Dougall’s last experience of playing the Blues was a less than positive one, as he suffered a knee injury on November 2nd that kept him out for the better part of two months.
Penney, meanwhile, was quick to praise Dougall and his seamless transition into the Munster starting XV.
“For a guy to come out of where he has come out of, to do so well at Heineken Cup level early on, he has proved his worth,” said Penney.
“He’s assiduous, has a work ethic to detail, and is a conscientious young man. Behind the scenes he is working hard to get better at everything he does.”
