It hasn't been a shock that he's settled into the professional game, but even Alex Kendellen can admit his season has gone better than expected.
Last summer's Ireland U20 captain had been marked down in the 'one to watch' category coming into the new season, having made his debut off the bench in last season's Rainbow Cup.
The 21-year-old back row is only in his second year in the Munster academy, but he won't be there for long more, with the province confirming in January he would advance to a two-year contract with the senior squad next term.
Of Munster's last 16 games, Kendellen has played in 15 of them, with half of his appearances this season coming either in Interpros or the Heineken Champions Cup.
In short, he's being trusted in the games that matter.
"As a young guy coming in here I wanted to play in those big games, they're the ones you're striving for," he said, when asked of being selected for crunch games.
In particular, he's proven a nuisance for Ulster in his two games against them, scoring a game-winning try against them at Thomond Park last January - his first in a Munster shirt - before putting in a Player of the Match display in last Friday night's derby in Belfast.
An ankle injury to Gavin Coombes, and further knocks to John Hodnett and Chris Cloete means Kendellen's gametime is likely to continue in the coming weeks, with Johann van Graan having used him in both Champions Cup last 16 games against Exeter, as well as the defeat of Ulster a week ago.
The home tie against the Chiefs, in which Munster turned over a 13-8 first leg deficit to progress 34-23 on aggregate remains the standout though.
"That Exeter game in Thomond Park, that was a special one.
"I've heard a few of the older lads saying that was the best atmosphere they've seen in Thomond so look, it's a pleasure to play in games like that.
"Growing up as a Munster fan they're the games you want to play in, in Thomond Park, backs against the wall and coming from a result that we needed to better in Exeter.
"It was incredible. I couldn't believe the support when we got out there and it was a special, special day, one that I won't forget quickly."
Described as "a ball of energy" by defence coach JP Ferreira, it's no surprise who Kendellen admits he idolised growing up.
"I suppose it's hard to look past Pete [O'Mahony]," he added.
"He’s been a similar way to me, he’s grown up in [Cork] Con, he’s gone through Pres, he’s played Senior Cup, he’s gone through Munster. Yeah, I think Pete is one I’m trying to follow.
"Just taking me under his wing along with the rest of the lads. I think as a captain, he's really brought me in and immersed himself into the culture.
"Look, I can’t speak highly enough of Pete and the other lads in the back row who have really took me under their wing in the last 12 to 18 months.
"You look at that Exeter game. I think he was man of the match in that game, he really stepped up that day. It’s just so easy to follow a guy like that."
Munster still have plenty of work to do if they're to end their 11-year wait for silverware.
In order to reach a potential Heineken up final they would need to navigate past Toulouse and either Leinster or Leicester Tigers.
On the domestic front, denying Leinster a fifth title in a row remains as tough a task as it ever was, but before they can even think about silverware, a home quarter-final remains the target.
And with just two rounds of the regular season left to play, a win against Cardiff this Friday at Musgrave Park would go a long way towards it.
We're still in the running for two trophies, obviously Munster are built on winning trophies and that's what I and the team want to do.
"I'm building confidence with every game, I'm learning from players who have played on Lions tours, from Irish internationals all around me, all the back rows have helped me massively, the likes of Gav Coombes who really took me under his wing for the 18 months I have been in here and yeah, look, I'm enjoying every minute that I'm playing in the Munster jersey."
