Murphy's signing adds a new dimension
COACH Tony McGahan believes new signing Johne Murphy will bring an exciting new dimension to Munster's backline when he joins up with the province at the end of the season.
As revealed in last week's city edition of the Limerick Leader Murphy will leave Guinness Premiership heavyweights the Leicester Tigers to join Munster for two seasons this summer. And, Munster coach Tony McGahan described the 25-year-old Murphy was an impressive ball carrier, who was strong defensively as well as being a quality finisher.
Tony McGahan said: "Munster are delighted to sign a young ambitious Irish outside back such as Johne. After being part of a very successful period with Leicester we look forward to Johne's participation on and off the field with Munster.
"His strong ball carrying, strong individual defence and finishing ability from either wing or full-back are some of the attributes we are looking forward to Johne bringing to the backline division."
Kildare-born Murphy, who is an Ireland A international, initially joined the Tigers on loan in the 2005-06 season. He made his debut for them in September 2006 against Harlequins at The Stoop and after 19 appearances ended the season with a call up to the Ireland Churchill Cup squad. He has made 93 appearances to date for the Tigers scoring 27 tries.
Tigers' top try-scorer in 2008-09 with 11, including a Heineken Cup hat-trick in Treviso, Murphy has made 28 appearances for the club in each of the last two seasons.
The former Lansdowne player has bagged four tries for Leicester this season and his excellent run of form has seen him included in Declan Kidney's Ireland squad for the upcoming RBS Six Nations Championship.
It was reported earlier in the season that Munster were about to lure another Irish-born winger, Tommy Bowe, back home. However, Lions star Bowe opted to sign a new contract with the Ospreys.
Meanwhile Munster prop Marcus Horan will have to wait for one more week at least before adding to his haul of 66 full international caps after being named in the Ireland Wolfhounds squad for the clash with Scotland A at Ravenhill on Friday evening (kick-off 7.30pm).
Horan, who lined out for the Ireland A side in their defeat to the England Saxons at The Rec' in Bath on Sunday, is one of seven Munster players included in the 20-strong squad for the clash. Also included is Munster-bound Johne Murphy.
Meanwhile the full Irish side continue their preparations in Dublin for Saturday's RBS Six Nations opener against Italy at Croke Park (2.30pm).
The countries have met 17 times since 1988 in major Tests.
Ireland head the series by 14 wins- including the last 13 matches - to three wins for Italy. The Italian wins came between 1995 and 1997 in successive friendly internationals outside the Six Nations Championship.
Ireland thumped Italy 38-9 in Rome last season as they powered to a Grand Slam.
The Munster A side continue their preparations for the resumption of the British and Irish Cup when taking on their Connacht counterparts at Thomond Park this Thursday (6.30pm). Gates open on Thursday evening at 5.30pm with admission priced at €5 for adults and €2 for schoolboys. Patrons can enter via turnstile three in the East Stand at Thomond Park.
The Munster A side remain undefeated in their inter-provincial ties this season, recording wins against Ulster and Leinster.
Munster A's next fixture in the British & Irish Cup will be against Nottingham at Waterford Regional Sports Centre on Friday, February 12 at 7pm.
On the club front two local sides are involved in crucial re-arranged AIB All-Ireland League fixtures this Sunday.
In Division 1A relegation-threatened Garryowen host Dolphin at Dooradoyle while in Division 2 Thomond travel to West Cork to face Clonakilty at The Vale.
Also on Sunday Shannon take on UCC in the semi-final of the ODM Munster Senior Cup at Tom Clifford Park - all games begin at 2.30pm.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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