Munster Rugby's Tom Ahern thriving in injury-free run

MUNSTER Rugby's Tom Ahern has certainly come into a good run of form in recent weeks after an ankle injury at the end of the 2023/24 season ruled him for a number of months. 

The injury couldn't have come at worse time for Ahern, who had trained with the Ireland squad in the lead up to their South African tour last summer. 

Since returning to the field of play, the Waterford native has moved between the second row and flanker, covering in key positions in the pack for the province. 

At the start of the week the IRFU and Munster Rugby announced that the towering 6ft10 man would be staying in the red colours after signing a two-year contract extension. 

Ahern spoke at the Munster press briefing week about his contract extension and how good it feels to be back playing consistently with the team.

Munster are currently preparing for Saturday's crucial Investec Champions Cup clash with Saracens at Thomond Park, 5.30pm.

"It was a no brainer to sign the piece of paper to stay with Munster really. It's my home province and I am over the moon really," Ahern said.

"It wasn't the most ideal start of the season for me, but a good run of games get you back up to speed again and I've had that over the last few weeks and touch wood that will continue so I can work on all the other aspects of my game, not just fitness."

In Munster's last outing they fell well short against old foes Leinster in a 28-7 defeat in the URC at Thomond Park at Christmas. Ahern, who found himself out in the wider channels of the pitch, put in a stellar performance for his side and scored Munster's only try on the night. 

Putting that result to one side, the Munster men have had a two-week break from games since the defeat to put all their focus into Saturday afternoon's game against Saracens. 

Both clubs have a long history of playing each other in the Investec Champions Cup, with Ahern experiencing that for the first time this weekend. 

Ahern said: "I'm really looking forward to it. From what I remember from the games I watched between them when I was younger was that they were always niggly games, Saracens are a hugely competitive and successful team and I think when you have two teams who like to have a bit off each other it always makes it interesting."