PROMISING lock Darren O’Shea believes Worcester Warriors are building an atmosphere which could rival Irish giants Munster.
The 21-year-old came through the Cork side’s youth system before going on to play for local club Dolphin RFC.
O’Shea admitted it was difficult to leave his home city and his boyhood team, Munster, as he looked further afield for game-time.
But he told The Observer Warriors’ new culture of young players battling it out for places has helped him to bed in quickly and he believes they will one day follow in the footsteps of Munster who captured in the European crown in 2006 and 2008.
“I have missed Cork a lot as it is the first time I have lived away from home,” he said. “My mother was fairly sad to see me go as she did everything for me and she keeps joking that she will apply for a job over here.
“It has been a completely new experience for me, but I have been really enjoying it.
“I can already see comparisons with Munster. There is a great atmosphere in training as everyone wants to achieve and I am sure over time we will keep building on that.
“The traditions Munster have built over the years has been a catalyst for their success and we are on the right path to creating that environment.”
Since being introduced into Warriors’ first team, O’Shea has not looked back as he played eight successive matches before being rested for last Saturday’s clash against Moseley.
Among the string of 80 minute appearances he faced Munster which Worcester won 27-23, and the 6ft 9in lock said he was determined to secure a place on the plane to Cork on Friday as he looks to go up against his former employers again.
“We don’t know who is travelling yet, but if I am selected I would relish the opportunity to play against my old side,” he said.
“It was great to get a win here as I went up against some old friends and there has been some good banter flying around with them since then, which has been great.
“It has the potential to be a really tough test. Munster always play with a lot of emotion so it will be very hard to get a win, but we are looking forward to it.”