TOP 14 SIDE Clermont have confirmed the signing of JJ Hanrahan from Munster ahead of next season.

The Kerry man has penned a one-year deal with the option of a second season.

Hanrahan will leave his native Munster for the second time in his career, having previously had a two-year stint with Northampton in the English Premiership.

Joey Carbery’s recent return from a long-term ankle injury meant Hanrahan’s chances of game time in Munster would have diminished. Munster boss Johann van Graan has confirmed that Hanrahan was not offered a new deal due to financial pressures caused by Covid-19.

The province will look to youngsters Ben Healy, Jack Crowley, and Jake Flannery to move up the pecking order at out-half next season.

“It was difficult to hear the news regarding my future with Munster Rugby, however, it has been a dream come true and a privilege to represent my home province and wear the jersey for eight years,” said Hanrahan.

“I have lifelong friends from this club, and I am very proud to represent the people of Munster and in particular the people of Kerry.

“Equally, I believe I am going to a club with very similar traditions and values in Clermont and it’s an opportunity I am extremely excited for. Currently, my main focus is to give everything I have to the Munster jersey during my time left here in Ireland.”

Hanrahan had an excellent game against Clermont as Munster won away to the French side in the Champions Cup this season, with his accurate place-kicking important in that superb comeback victory.

28-year-old Hanrahan will compete with former France out-half Camille Lopez for the number 10 shirt in Clermont next season, while the club also hope he can play a role in the development of young prospects Théo Giral and Gabin Michet.

“I’m very happy and looking forward to joining such a prestigious club as ASM Clermont Auvergne,” said Hanrahan.

“I will be proud to wear the Clermont jersey and to have the opportunity to have a new experience living in France with the ambition of contributing everything I can to help the club and the team to win new titles.

“I can’t wait to play at the Stade Marcel-Michelin in front of incredible fans who are famous far beyond the borders of the Auvergne.”

Munster boss van Graan wished Hanrahan well ahead of his move this summer.

“JJ is a fantastic player and has been a great servant to Munster Rugby,” said van Graan.

“We’ve said from the beginning we want to retain all of our players but unfortunately the harsh realities of what’s happened over the past year have come to a head. Due to the challenges stemming from the Covid landscape we are not in a position to hold onto a player of JJ’s calibre, and we are sorry to see him go.

“While he has a fantastic opportunity ahead of him we still have a job to do here and we look forward to JJ successfully seeing out his time in the red jersey.”

- This article was updated at 1.22pm to include Johann van Graan’s confirmation that Hanrahan was not offered a new deal.