Both Munster and Leinster have made big personnel announcements this afternoon, with one out-half staying and one packing his bags.
Leinster have confirmed the inevitable news that Jimmy Gopperth is heading to Wasps at the end of the season, while Munster have announced that Ian Keatley has signed on for another two years at the province.
Gopperth had been expected to leave the province at the end of the season, with Johnny Sexton’s return from Paris and Ian Madigan’s excellent form expected to leave him well down the pecking order at the RDS.
The New Zealander has had a mixed couple of seasons with Matt O’Connor’s side, cementing himself as the first choice 10 in his debut season, before struggling with form this campaign.
With Leinster due to play his future club Wasps in Coventry in just over a fortnight’s time, it will be interesting to see if he’s given a chance to sting his future employers.
Meanwhile, Munster have announced that Ian Keatley has signed on for another two years at the province.
Keatley has firmly established himself as the first choice 10 since the retirement of Ronan O’Gara 18 months ago, and has even forced himself into Irish contention, earning his first Irish cap in five years during the recent Autumn Internationals.
Speaking about Keatley’s new deal, Munster head coach Anthony Foley said: “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!”
Keatley’s new deal is sure to reignite the rumours of JJ Hanrahan’s possible departure, with plenty of speculation the the Kerryman is to announce his departure soon.
Munster have also announced new deals for academy trio Shane Buckley, Cian Bohane and Jack O’Donoghue, as well as extending Kevin O’Byrne’s training con tract to the end of the season.
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