Pat Howard in action for Munster against Newport Gwent Dragons

South African centre Pat Howard admits he is ready for whatever comes his way as he bids to build on his first appearance for Munster.

Howard began a three-month contract with the Irish province at the start of the month and got his first taste of the Guinness PRO12 at the weekend.

The 22-year-old featured off the bench as Munster made light work of seeing off Newport Gwent Dragons 38-12 in their return to Guinness PRO12 action.

Howard arrived at Munster to bolster the options in midfield due to injuries to Keith Earls and Cian Bohane with an Irish derby with Ulster next up.

Munster will then break for European action and Howard insists he is acclimatising well and relishing the challenges that lie ahead both domestically and on the continent.

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“I got about six minutes off the bench against Dragons and it’s obviously my first few weeks here and I’m hoping to get a little more than that to keep improving and to get used to the structures here,” he told the clubs official website.

“Where I come from in South Africa is pretty high up so I’m well used to the cold. To be honest it’s been mild so far. Some of the boys have been telling me that winter is actually still coming and it’s going to get a bit colder.

“I won’t be so fond of that but it’s something to get used to and it’s a small price to pay for being in such a great club and great place.”