MUNSTER HAVE ANNOUNCED the signing of centre Sammy Arnold from Ulster on a two-year deal.
The centre, who was born in England but is Irish qualified, played 11 times for the northern province but has decided to move to Limerick in search of greater opportunities.
The 19-year-old made his Pro12 debut for Ulster last season against Newport Gwent Dragons and made his first European appearance in last month’s win over Oyonnax.
“We are disappointed to lose a player of Sammy’s talent but we fully understand his position,” Ulster Director of Rugby, Les Kiss, said.
“He is an ambitious young man who wants to gain as much game time as possible, but with our current stocks at centre, we are unable to guarantee him a regular starting position.
“The age profile of some of our other young centres such as Stuart Olding (22), Stuart McCloskey (23) and Luke Marshall (24), along with the presence of experienced international players like Darren Cave and Jared Payne, has contributed to his decision.”
Arnold, who played eight times for Ireland U20s, will move to Thomond Park at the end of this season.
Munster have also confirmed hooker Duncan Casey has signed a new two-year contract and Sean McCarthy has put pen to paper on a development contract.
Casey is the latest in a line of home-grown talent to secure their future with the province. The 25-year-old has made 40 appearances for Munster, scoring five tries.
“Once again, today’s news speaks volumes about this group of players – they are committed to the province and are ambitious to achieve something together,” Anthony Foley commented.
This is a cracking bit of business by Munster.
Now all we need is Jack O Donoghue going the other way
Nice try Christiaan….. No.
Ye can have Copeland
Will Foley even play him ?
Loving that move. Great talent. Hopefully this will develop more of a culture of younsters moving around the provinces. JJ’s departure still stings.
Good news for Munster .. a very good signing and with Casey and Mccarthy signing individual contracts ,that looks like all Munster players signed extensions now
Am I correct in thinking this is the first good thing David Nucifora has done?
No. Once again you are incorrect
Indeed it is. Perhaps a few people will put down their pitchforks now
David Nucifora where is the backrow going the other way!
Were not overloaded in backrows. I wish ye had signed Coughlan or Butler however.
Maybe Dan Leavy should or Jordi Murphy should think about a switch up North.
Dominic Ryan is the guy who should be looking to move to another province . He’s an international but has so much competition around . VDF , Conan, Leavy , Jordi M, Heaslip, SOB , Ruddock and more coming out of the academy …
Limón – 100% agreed on Dom Ryan: a move to Ulster would be excellent for him. He is a solid player but, with the combination of established internationals and upcoming talent, he is stuck in the middle. At almost 26 it feels like his window of opportunity has passed at Leinster, but he could be great for Ulster, and Ulster for him.
Jordi Murphy is another who may find himself in that limbo soon if he is not careful. Victim of his own versatility perhaps, but at 24 he still has time to nail down a Leinster place. Ulster could be mutually beneficial for him also, though.
He’s looked good for us but, while any player with ability will obviously improve a squad, this move is better for the player, for Munster and also for Irish rugby. More please!
Ulster have an embarrassment of riches at center
This guy is really good, very disappointed Connacht didn’t get him he will be great asset to munster and Ireland but still annoyed as he will be playing against us.
Super young player, great business for munster and Ireland
Great bit of business.
Great move for him deffo will c game time. This is what provinces need to do to develop the abundance of talent we have. Ulster have more good backs and Leinster the same that should consider moving province.
And what have Munster to offer!?
Decent player, and good signing for Munster. Formerly scrum half while at Cranleigh School in Surrey so he’ll be a good decision maker, and also afford Munster some depth in more than just one position.
Good to see some movement amongst the provinces, although the fact he’s not from either province probably makes the move easier. Definitely have to stop the provinces stockpiling talent and make sure their development pathways are clear…
He is more than decent, very cross Connacht didn’t get him.
Disappointed to see Sammy Arnold leave but he has serious talent and ability and needs game time to develop into the classy centre he can be. This is what Irish rugby needs – develop from within. Best wishes Sammy and hope to see you in a white shirt again.