11 players walked out the exit doors at Munster’s University of Limerick training base, on Wednesday. The Munster squad, as we knew it, is no more.
We already knew about the departures of Munster legend Paul O’Connell. Damien Varley retired earlier this season and news of summer moves for Sean Dougall, JJ Hanrahan and Paddy Butler was broken, mid-season. Andrew Smith is heading back to Australia.
The province also confirmed the departures of Alan Cotter, Johne Murphy, Ivan Dineen, Martin Kelly and Barry O’Mahony.
In total, Munster has waved farewell to 11 players with 621 caps and who scored 579 points.
The squad gathered for a farewell lunch, at U.L, yesterday and outgoing players were presented commemorative watches to mark their service to Munster. Veteran lock Donncha O’Callaghan, who will look to add to his 263 senior caps next year, kicked off affairs with a speech that was, in equal measures, humorous and emotional.
Farewell and thanks to all our departing players – wishing you all the best for the future! http://t.co/qopgtS5k9s pic.twitter.com/QF64NP6X0K
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) June 3, 2015
Munster chief executive Garret Fitzgerald commented, ‘We would like to thank all of the players for their commitment and service to Munster Rugby. We wish them every success in the future as they advance to the next stage of their careers on and off the field.’
For the coming season the confirmed incoming players include Tomás O’Leary and Francis Saili, with Jordan Coghlan, Jack O’Donoghue, Darren Sweetnam and Dolphin prop Peter McCabe coming from the academy set-up.
