Tom Ahern hopes his newfound versatility after a long rehabilitation can reward him with a first Champions Cup start when the big show rolls into town this week.
The 6-foot, 9-inch Munster forward missed almost all of last season after shoulder surgery so he resolved to hit the ground running this autumn.
That he has done, with four tries to his name so far this season as he utilises the extra freedom that his new blindside flanker role provides.
He only filled that position in the past fortnight but he found himself hugging the touchline for two tries and was involved in the move for another in the 4src-29 victory over Glasgow Warriors.
“It’s come with switching back to six. Prendy (Mike Prendergast) gives us a bit more licence to hang out in the channels,” explains Ahern.
“We obviously come in and help the boys when we can but the back row, six and seven, are linking in with the backs and you get a bit more space out wide, which is nice.
“I hadn’t thought about it prior to this whatsoever. I played six for Waterpark under-18s but other than that, it’s the first time since then.
“Wig (Graham Rowntree) said it to me earlier last week that we were going to give a go at it and see how we go. Lucky enough, there’s plenty of other good expe
…. to be continued
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