MUNSTER HAVE TODAY announced four contract renewals with out-half Ian Keatley’s new deal the stand-out.
The Dubliner will now remain with Munster until at least 2017, extending his time in the province having moved south from Connacht in 2011.
The notable absentee from the list of contract renewals was JJ Hanrahan.
“We are extremely pleased that this group of players have committed their talents to the province,” head coach Anthony Foley said in a statement.
“Ian is into his fourth season with us and continues to grow, and impress. He leads by example with his commitment and attitude and we are fortunate to have him in our side. He showed great composure last week to kick in difficult conditions and like great tens before him he can certainly kick a drop-goal when needed.”
Ireland under 20 captain Jack O’Donoghue has signed on for a total of three years. The Waterford man will be on a development contract next season before moving to a full contract for two years from 2016.
Current development players Cian Bohane and Shane Buckley have had their contracts extended by a year, with Bohane another penciled in for a senior contract in 2016.
The province have also handed a short-term development contract to hooker Kevin O’Byrne who joined the squad on a training contract at the beginning of this season. O’Byrne’s development deal runs until the end of this campaign.
“It is always rewarding when securing up and coming home-grown talent such as Bohane, Buckley, O’Byrne and O’Donoghue,” added Foley.
“We have guys that are highly sought after in a competitive environment and it’s great for our squad to know that these guys want to contribute to their home province and compete for the jersey. We have only seen glimpses of what these young players can do and we look forward to guiding their development.”
Just confirmed on the Munster Twitter page and Northampton’s website, bye bye JJ! Not a good day for Munster
Good news for Munster, but JJ is the man they really need to get nailed down. He’s the first homegrown creative outside back Munster have produced since Keith Earls, and they desperate need to keep him.
JJ Hanrahans move to Northampton will be confirmed on the Munster website in the next half hour, it’s a done deal
Aaahhhh ZEBOOOOOO!
Simon zero??
Ha.. zebo… obvs
I knew I was overlooking someone….
Nonetheless, the last top class homegrown centre was… actually, I can’t think of any in the pro era. That’s 20 years…
John Kelly?
Yeah, maybe – good player but not sure he was ever really top class. Injury hampered him, and Munster were not renowned for their back play in his era.
In any case, we’re going back a fair while to find one “maybe”. I think the point stands that Munster struggle to produce creative outside backs – especially centres – and can really ill afford to loose their great white hope. Staggering mismanagement.
Brian, what about Rob Henderson.
Fine player, but wasn’t homegrown – he began his career at London Irish, and then Wasps, before moving to Limerick
I’d have to disagree there bud.. Rags was a excellent center. Top class player hugely underrated..
JJ Hanrahan is gone, what a joke.. No faith in Axle after this.
Well that will push JJ further away… Not too sure how to feel about this news.
Just saw news confirming JJ’s departure….step in the wrong direction for Munster…hugely disappointing .
Hardly Foleys fault. He was offered a contract but chose to accept Northamptons offer
Great new – NOT
I could be reading between the lines too much here, but this article sounds like Foley is having a bit of a go at JJ Hanrahan.
Applauding the other guys for staying to fight for the jersey when there was other interested parties….