However, injuries are an inevitable consequence of operating on some of the most demanding positions on the rugby field and Munster have suffered in this regard with the luckless Cronin all too often laid up with one kind of knock or another.

So their acquisition of Jeremy Loughman in December 2017 has proved a wise move and he is set for another start in the number one jersey against Southern Kings at Musgrave Park tomorrow night.

Loughman certainly has the physical qualities for the position — he weighs in at 18 stone 6 lbs and stands 6ft 1in — and even at the age of 23, boasts a decent CV.

Born in Reno, Nevada, he grew up in Athy and helped Blackrock College to Leinster Schools Cup honours in 2013 and ’14.

Surprisingly, he slipped through Leinster’s grasp but is delighted he accepted Munster’s overtures.

“I’m loving it down here,” he says. “I was just going into my last year in the Academy at Leinster and the opportunity came up here.

“So I came down on loan and that went well. I’ve been here just over a year now.

“Yeah, it was tough with so many established props here. I was just looking for game-time. You’ve just got to keep training away and when you get your chance, try to put your best foot forward.

This year I’ve been lucky and got a good run of games in the last block. Hopefully, when everyone comes back, I can still keep my hand up for selection.

Dave Kilcoyne’s regular involvement with Ireland gives Loughman extra opportunity.

“He has done seriously well. He’s had nearly double-digit carries in the time he’s been on the field and with his form for Munster as well, he’s putting his hands up for Irish selection and it’s good to see.

“I made the move to help get some game-time and I am getting the opportunity during the Six Nations.

“The European quarter-final against Edinburgh is the game everyone wants to play in.

"Hopefully I can do enough in this block to make a case for selection.”