Jack Crowley focused on Munster, not Ireland No.10 battle

Jack Crowley has dismissed suggestions that his strong start to the season is driven by the fight for Ireland’s No.10 jersey, insisting his focus remains firmly on Munster’s campaign in the United Rugby Championship.

The 25-year-old fly-half guided Munster to a narrow 23-20 win over Cardiff at Thomond Park, landing the decisive drop goal and collecting the man of the match award.

Despite his growing influence, Crowley said it would not be fair to his teammates if international ambitions were his priority.

“If I’m being brutally honest, I don’t think it would be respectful to the group for that to be a driving factor for me.

"My main focus is how I can best prepare the team and myself for the opponent that’s coming up this week,” he said.

Crowley’s drop goal took his tally for Munster to 350 points in 73 appearances, though he stressed the collective performance mattered more than individual milestones.

He acknowledged that Munster’s display against Cardiff was “scrappy” and highlighted discipline and physicality as areas for improvement.

Looking ahead, Crowley warned against complacency when Munster face Edinburgh next, recalling how the Scots bounced back from defeat to Zebre last season by beating Munster in Cork.

Meanwhile, Munster confirmed that Craig Casey’s hamstring injury is still being assessed, while Shane Daly and Niall Scannell will miss Friday’s game.

Seven players, including Mike Haley and John Ryan, returned to full training this week, providing a timely boost for new head coach Clayton McMillan.