GUINNESS PRO12 Star: Robin Copeland

The back-row forward joined from GUINNESS PRO12 rivals Cardiff Blues over the summer and has slotted in seamlessly.

Copeland has gone from strength to strength since making his debut for the Munstermen against Benetton Treviso in September - notching himself four league tries so far this season, a total second only to Ospreys' Rhys Webb.

And his impressive performances haven't gone unnoticed by Ireland coach Joe Schmidt who gave the Wexford-born man an international debut against Georgia in November.

It hasn't always been such smooth sailing for the 27-year-old, having left the Leinster academy as a teenager and spending time at Plymouth Albion and Rotherham Titans in English rugby's second tier before joining Cardiff Blues.

While he may have taken a less-travelled road to reach the top, the dynamic No.8's work-rate means he is set for a long stay among the elite.

And with Munster currently lying third in the GUINNESS PRO12 table, just three points off the summit, Copeland's journey is only just beginning.

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