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.”
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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.
O'Dea made just two Pro12 appearances last term Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
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.”
One in, one out at Munster as AIL player of the year arrives on short-term deal
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.
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.”
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Comings and goings Luke O'Dea Matt D'Arcy Munster