The Clare prospect who swapped hurling dreams for Munster Rugby

Munster out-half embracing his Clare roots while pushing for more minutes

A native of Ennis, Tony Butler has never second-guessed his decision to swap hurling for rugby. Before joining the Munster Rugby academy, he was a standout half-back with the St Flannan’s College team that lifted the Harty Cup in 2020 and represented Clare at minor level.

His senior rugby debut came earlier than planned, arriving in a chaotic week when Munster were forced to field an improvised squad against Wasps. Since then, he has worked patiently for opportunities. Now, he finds himself firmly in contention, named on the bench today for a top-of-the-table clash with the Stormers and edging ahead of JJ Hanrahan in pecking order.

Ennis influence and the GAA grounding

Alongside teammate Ethan Coghlan, Butler feels the growing pride from home. “Even just being around the town… you can see more people are getting involved in the rugby,” he said.

His hurling past remains an asset. The sharpness, scanning, and instinct honed with Clare minors still shape his game today. “But definitely hand-eye coordination skills and trying to scan off for continuity… there's definitely a lot of linked up skills there,” he said. And as he puts it: “You only really get hurt in hurling when you stand off it, so you have to just get stuck in.”

Chasing starts and pushing Ireland’s No.10

Jack Crowley may be the established out-half, but Butler is determined to keep climbing. His strong outing against the Argentina XV in November was another step forward.

“I just want to play as much rugby as I can for Munster… I have to just start showing it in training that I am good enough,” he said.

Competition doesn’t faze him. “If you're not competing with the best… you're not really kicking on yourself.”