Munster’s season on the field has not exactly been a success.
But the men behind the scenes are working very, very hard indeed to make sure the province get off to the best possible start to next season.
The former European champions have already managed to tie down Conor Murray, Simon Zebo and Keith Earls to long term deals and the latest new arrival is an exciting attacking talent from their neighbours Ulster.
Sam Arnold has been confirmed as the province’s latest signing on a busy day that has also seen Duncan Casey sign a two-year contract extension, as well as Sean McCarthy putting his name to a development contract at Thomond Park.
Latest signings: @BigDunc123 2 years;@SeanyMcCarthy 1 year Development;@UlsterRugby's Sam Arnold joins for 2 years. pic.twitter.com/FaLIuQQBTA
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) February 4, 2016
Arnold, 19, has made a number of appearances for Ulster this term, and made his European debut for the province just last month in their thrilling win over Oyannax.
The two-year contract offer for the former Ulster Academy Player of the Year will mean that the speculation that Robbie Henshaw’s long-term future lies at Leinster is almost certainly going to intensify.
Henshaw’s current contract expires in June this year, though Connacht head coach Pat Lam has expressed his desire to see the 22-year-old sign a new deal with the province, rather than move to the Blues.
Munster’s signing of Arnold would appear to rule out one major competitor for Henshaw’s signature, should he decide to leave.
There has been a broad welcome for the move for Arnold this afternoon with many commentators feeling that his move south will benefit both Munster and the player himself.
Arnold paid tribute to everyone at Ulster for their work over the last number of years.
https://twitter.com/SammyArnold9/status/695289120353030144
https://twitter.com/SammyArnold9/status/695289425383784448
