Munster-bound Scarlets star Tadhg Beirne is one of rugby's ironmen

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  • For all the praise of the provincial systems in delivering Ireland a third ever Grand Slam crown, it is not as flawless when you see a player of Tadhg Beirne’s calibre slip through the net.

    Released by Leinster in 2016 after an injury-ravaged time at the club, the 26-year-old was on the brink of quitting the sport to pursue a degree in real estate when an opportunity came up at Scarlets for a second-row who could also play blindside flanker.

    Beirne accepted the offer and after two productive seasons in south west Wales, he has transformed his career from a near rugby dropout to become a rising name in the sport.

    With a desire to play for Ireland meaning he has to play for one of the four Irish provinces eventually, Beirne recently penned a two-year deal with Munster from the start of next season.

    But with Pro14 and Champions Cup glory still to play for, Beirne has a chance to leave Parc y Scarlets on a successful note.

    Here we take a look at some key facts about the star forward ahead of Saturday’s match against former club Leinster.

    How did he slip through the cracks at Leinster?

    Successive groin and shoulder injuries did not help his early development during a period in which the Leinster academy was brimming with talent.

    Although Beirne was a class act from his school days, he only earned four appearances during his two seasons at Leinster, with Mike McCarthy and Kane Douglas the starting locks in Dublin at the time.

    Released by Leo Cullen at the end of the 2016 season, he moved to Wales in search of game time and the move has seen his career ignite.

    What has been key to his rise at Scarlets?

    His skill level, strength, fitness and general game intelligence has always been at the forefront of his armoury – but getting a run of consistent games has been key at Scarlets.

    With no injury concerns, a run of solid form and playing against strong opposition on a weekly basis, he has learned considerably on the job, establishing himself as the best lock in the Pro14.

    Where does he fit into the Scarlets XV?

    At 6’6 and 116kg, Beirne is not the type of player you’d want to mess with at contact areas. The Kildare man can play at No4 and No6 – and has performed effectively in both positions.

    Against Toulon and Saracens in the Champions Cup in January, Beirne produced near man-of-the-mach displays featuring at both blindside and in the second row.

    His ability to perform to such at high standard is down to Wayne Pivac’s loose and open game plan where the tight five forwards can throw the ball around and play with a bit of freedom.

    For Beirne to be a compete in both the second and back row is remarkable, especially when he’s equally spectacular in both positions.

    What are his key attributes?

    Not only is he strong, carries well, tackles effectively and is a solid line-out option, Beirne is a turnover merchant.

    With three rounds left to play in the Pro14, Beirne has already broken the record for most turnovers in a season with an outrageous 37 – his closest pursuer is Robin Copeland of Munster with 15.

    In contrast, the leading total in the Aviva Premiership is 16.

    Beirne also heads the turnover charts in the Champions Cup – and has been nominated for European Player of the Year award.

    How has he performed this season?

    After a massive breakout campaign in 2016/17, the former Leinster man has taken his game to a whole new level this season, producing notable man-of-the-match displays against Ulster, Edinburgh, Toulon, Bath and Leinster.

    With 33 appearances in all competitions, he has been arguably Scarlets’ stand-out and will be integral to how they perform in their remaining Pro14 and European fixtures.

    To prove his physical resilience, he has played the second most minutes of any player in the Pro14 this season with 1,350 (Berton Klaasen of the Southern Kings has played 1,410).

    Where will he fit into Munster’s team next season?

    It will be difficult for Beirne to play the same open game at Munster and he’ll have to adapt to Johann van Graan’s pick and go in tight areas.

    With Peter O’Mahony and CJ Stander filling two of the back-row positions, Beirne will most likely take the No6 jersey with O’Mahony moving to No7.

    Otherwise, Beirne is nailed on for the second row jersey where he has the chance to add dynamism in the post-Donnacha Ryan and Paul O’Connell era.

    Can he play for Ireland?

    Joe Schmidt may be content with his current second row combinations, but it’s hard for Beirne not to warrant a place in the 23 based on current form and his versatility.

    With his return to Ireland, there is no reason why he shouldn’t be included in Ireland’s tour to Australia in June.

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