THE SQUAD RESHUFFLE continues at Munster with the province announcing the signing of Matt D’Arcy on a short term deal with Luke O’Dea leaving for France.
D’Arcy is coming off the back of an impressive season with Clontarf and arrives at Thomond Park on an initial three month contract.
The centre was named the Ulster Bank League player of the season and picked up the top try scorer prize as well after playing a key role in Tarf’s run to the final.
“Matt will join us on a three month contract initially where we will monitor his development,” Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald said.
“He has proven both his talent and leadership in the club game and it’s great that he now has the opportunity to play professional rugby.”
D’Arcy becomes Munster’s third new arrival with Jordan Coughlan joining from Leinster on a development contract and All Black Francis Saili moving from Auckland.
O’Dea, meanwhile, is heading in the opposite direction as he leaves Munster despite the Pro12 runners-up tabling a contract renewal.
The winger has instead opted to head to the French Pro D2, with his new club not yet confirmed.
The 24-year-old made 20 senior appearances for Munster but his four-year stay was blighted by injuries.
“We obviously would have liked to retain Luke’s services for a while longer at Munster but we wholly understand his decision,” Fitzgerald added.
“The move to France represents a great opportunity for him. Unfortunately the past couple of seasons have been quite injury-blighted for Luke, but now that he’s fully fit, it’s important that he plays on a consistent basis.
“I would like to thank Luke for his service to Munster Rugby and we wish him all the best with the move to France.”
At least it’s something in terms of centres for next season…highly rated so can’t really complain
If Foley keeps going the way he is at present there won’ be a born Munster player left on team
It’s not really his fault do, luke rejected an offer so what can he do? Luke probably knew he wasn’t in with a shout of a first team place!
Foley didnt bring in Denis Hurley, Niall Ronan, Killian Keane , Tony Ward , Ian Dowling, Jim Williams, Christian Cullen, Doug Howlett, John Langford…..etcétera etcétera
No provincial set up today in Ireland relies only on homegrown players.
It’s up to the players themselves to step up to the mark.
Fair play to Munster for a clever signing and well done to D’Arcy
Bargain basement shopping by Munster. Their financial constraints mean they have little option .
True in this case though that All Black won’t be coming cheap. And replacing Luke O’Dea with a ‘bargain’ player is basically like for like.
So Robson do you want to give us a run down of Munsters money problems.
You constantly refer to it but give F##k all evidence?
Sorry to see Luke go he always impressed when I saw him play but at he’s age he needs games and there’s too many players in his way at Munster.
Great to see AIL players getting a chance at Munster long may it continue.
Have a look at Munster’s publicly available accounts this year and last year. Made a 600k loss last year, 400k loss this year. Look it up, all shown at the Munster AGM’s.
Struggling to make repayments on the stadium, have got deferments from the IRFU to assist them.
Winter is coming.
Your a knob
Knobson is right. Munster are losing Money. A legacy of building TP at the height of the boom. Still the best province in Ireland. We’ll be grand.
600k last year 400k this year looks like the numbers are heading the right way.
Still paying off thomand just finished redevelopment of Musgrave and new training center be built in limerick .
Despite this still made the pro12 final making sure of a favourable draw in the European cup.
Winter is over when Munster deaths are paid Connacht will still be playing on a dog track and leinster will be getting a bill for a revamped RDS
Hurley is a cork man. Just because he spent a few years in school in Dublin doesn’t make him a dub
Quoting from Munster webpage Originally from Kells in Co Meath Denis Hurley was educated in St Munchin’s and UCC and is another member of the Munster Academy who has come through to senior ranks.
Being from Meath doesn’t make you a Dub either
Very surprised Leinster didn’t swoop for D’Arcy considering he’s the top amateur centre in the country, a position where we really lack depth for the next year or two while we wait for the academy lads to emerge, and players like Darragh Fanning, Mick McGrath, Ian Hirst and Royce Burke Flynn were plucked out of the AIL by Leinster in recent times.
Getting a home semi final as well as the extra cash from BT Sports deal and a heavily slashed wage bill should all contribute to a better financial year next season.
running a business with longevity isnt just about in year net profit. its encouraging to see capital investment for the future and some realistic money management on player spending. it shows awareness of the realities of a sport limited to a small community of investment. of course bringing the 400k into the black must be best scanario but it looks as though the trend of debt is going the right way
I also think its great to swap a promising winger for a promising centre. Earls Zebo Conway OMahony and Van Den Heever are covering the wing and youngsters OShea, Sweetnam and Fitzgerad look sharp too. A new option at centre is a much bigger priority.