Munster Rugby's Clayton McMillan: 'I'm super proud of Conor Bartley and he's going to get more opportunities'

THIRTY-year-old Young Munster prop Conor Bartley had a Champions Cup debut to remember on Saturday when making a big impact after being introduced as a second half substitute in the 31-3 bonus point victory over Gloucester at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Tighthead prop Bartley replaced Michael Ala’alatoa with 10 minutes to play, and forced two scrum penalties in just his second appearance for the province.

Former Castletroy College student Bartley made his URC debut for Munster in their victory over Scarlets in September, but had been hampered by injury subsequently.

Following Saturday night's win over the Cherry and Whites, Munster head coach Clayton McMillan said of Bartley: “They (substitutes) all had their moments, but I was particularly happy for Conor Bartley.

READ MORE: WATCH: Munster Rugby's Clayton McMillan and Tadhg Beirne reflect on Champions Cup win over Gloucester

“He's pretty unheralded, he's a guy who has been away for 30-odd years of club rugby, never thought he'd put on a Munster jersey until he did in round one.

“He's been sitting out for the last seven or eight weeks and then went out and had a couple of really big impacts at scrum time. Super proud of him and he's going to get more opportunities.”

Bartley eanred his call-up by Munster on the back of a string of ultra-consistent displays for Young Munster in the All-Ireland League.

Coach McMillan is in favour of Munster squad members who are not involved in his matchday squads getting gametime in the AIL.

He said: “We've been sending big numbers to go and play AIL on a regular basis. I just think that the only way you get better is by being out in the middle, and we only get to select 23, so I don't see the logic really, unless you're sort of deep in the competition and finals, you maybe get a little bit precious around who you release to club rugby.

“But I would rather see them out there playing, getting minutes under their belt, contributing to their clubs and being more battle-hardened and ready to take the opportunity when they get it.”

Munster now switch their focus back to the URC and a crucial meeting with the Ospreys at Dunraven Brewery Field on Saturday, 5.30pm, live on Premier Sports.

Munster's five-game unbeaten start to the URC season was ended with their disappointing defeat to the Stormers at Thomond Park last time out.

That reverse has seen Munster drop to third spot in the table. Munster host Leinster in their next home URC fixture on Saturday, December 27, 7.45pm.

A strong final quarter display at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh helped Munster secure a maximum five point haul against the Cherry and Whites who had offered stubborn resistance until that point in their Champions Cup clash on Saturday.

Munster scored five tries against the understrength Premiership side, but it was far from a comfortable night in the office, needing three scores in the final 13 minutes to kill off a dogged defensive performance from their visitors.

Some 36,208 paying customers turned up at the Cork GAA venue to see Munster Rugby play their first Champions Cup fixture on Leeside for 23 years.

Head coach McMillan said: “We never expected it to be easy, but I think we're grateful for the win. We’re happy to get ourselves on the scoreboard in terms of the European Cup stuff, but I think we'll probably wake up in the morning or even now, and know that we could have been a lot better.”