NORTHAMPTON SAINTS HAVE confirmed the signing of South African back Pat Howard ahead of next season.
The 23-year-old will join the Premiership club from Western Province later this year.
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Howard started two Champions Cup games for Munster this season, as well as scoring off the bench in a third. Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
Howard spent three months on loan at Munster earlier this season, racking up a total of seven starts.
Used at outside centre by Anthony Foley, Howard featured in three Champions Cup fixtures for the province and scored a try in the facile 65-10 win over Sale Sharks.
It seems certain that the South African’s short spell with Munster has helped him secure this move to Northampton, where he will link up with Kerryman JJ Hanrahan next season.
Hanrahan’s departure from Munster to the Saints was confirmed in January. Howard previously played against Hanrahan in the 2012 Junior World Championship, a tournament in which the Irishman starred.
I really enjoyed my time in Europe earlier this year and was delighted when Saints showed interest in me,” said Howard in a Northampton statement.
“It is a great opportunity for me to be joining a fantastic club and continue to develop as a player.
“I cannot wait to pull on the Saints jersey! I have had a great time coming through the ranks at Western Province, but feel that now is the right time to experience something new overseas.”
JJ Hanrahan will be joined by an ex-Munster teammate in Northampton
NORTHAMPTON SAINTS HAVE confirmed the signing of South African back Pat Howard ahead of next season.
The 23-year-old will join the Premiership club from Western Province later this year.
Howard spent three months on loan at Munster earlier this season, racking up a total of seven starts.
Used at outside centre by Anthony Foley, Howard featured in three Champions Cup fixtures for the province and scored a try in the facile 65-10 win over Sale Sharks.
It seems certain that the South African’s short spell with Munster has helped him secure this move to Northampton, where he will link up with Kerryman JJ Hanrahan next season.
Hanrahan’s departure from Munster to the Saints was confirmed in January. Howard previously played against Hanrahan in the 2012 Junior World Championship, a tournament in which the Irishman starred.
“It is a great opportunity for me to be joining a fantastic club and continue to develop as a player.
“I cannot wait to pull on the Saints jersey! I have had a great time coming through the ranks at Western Province, but feel that now is the right time to experience something new overseas.”
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Jim Mallinder JJ Hanrahan Munster Pat Howard Northampton Saints Transfer