Munster set on replicating success

Munster were the runaway champions of last year's Magners League, finishing eight points clear of second-placed Edinburgh after 14 wins from 18 games.

Quinlan and co were in sublime form in Celtic competition, scoring close to 50 tries and conceding just 23 in the process.

Tony McGahan's men finished the season with eight wins in their last nine games, including a memorable home triumph over 2008 champions Leinster and a double over 2007 winners the Ospreys.

And having secured a first league crown since 2003, Quinlan admits Munster have no desire to give up their title later this season, especially as the standard of Magners League rugby keeps improving year-on-year.

"We always want to compete in the Magners League. We certainly want to be up there challenging every year," said Quinlan.

"There's an ambition within our squad to win every competition we play in and the Magners League is no different.

"We've tasted success - we won it outright last year and that was a great achievement.

"It's a squad effort and our younger players have improved a lot and they've have gained great experience playing against great players.

"The standard has improved over recent years during my time playing in the league -there's no easy games. Everyone wants success and that's great for the competition, it's great for supporters and it's great for TV as well.

"Other teams have maybe looked at the success that we've had and Leinster have had over the years and they want try and achieve that success themselves. All the squads in the Magners League have improved immensely and the standards are way up."