MUNSTER HEAD COACH Anthony Foley has confirmed that All Black Francis Saili will be arriving in the province this week.
The 24-year-old signed a two-year deal with the province in April, and after some time off following the conclusion of the Super Rugby season, the former Auckland Blues centre will meet his new teammates this week.
Saili is flying into the country this Thuirsday, and will be introduced to the squad the following day at training in Cork, as they continue their pre-season preparations ahead of the first friendly against Grenoble in just over two weeks time.
“We look forward to working with Francis and giving him the time to settle in. I’m sure everyone will be excited to see him run out in the red jersey in the near future,” Foley said.
The centre scored seven tries in his 42 Super Rugby appearances for the Blues, and has two caps for the All Blacks.
Munster have also confirmed that 28-year-old flanker Barry O’Mahony has retired from rugby with immediate effect after departing the province at the end of the season.
The brother of winger Ronan, Barry broke his leg in November 2014, and complications with his return means that he will not be seeking another professional rugby deal.
Shame for Barry o’mahoney, seemed a great ail player with a lot of potential. Always seemed like he was never given the opportunity he deserved with the first team
Going from one Winter to Another. Cead mile failte Prionsias.
Makes a difference from having to wait until October or November for a foreign arrival, exhausted after a Southern season. Couple this arrival with hopefully a fit and motivated Bleyandal and good service from the returning Tomás we could be looking quite decent in the backs during the World Cup period.
Niiice. Welcome fella.
Seriously this could be what Munster have been crying out for. Looks very exciting I have to say.
We think so. But you never know with these guys. JDV should have been our greatest signing but took a year to settle in. By the time we had figured him out (and he us), he was gone.
Wait until he sees the squad minus the Irish players.
” Is this it !”
Nice new photo Cian..
Could be worse, we could have a one season rookie in charge.
Errr…. thanks.
Hurley and Saili could be a very well balanced centre pairing