Who is James Downey, Munster’s new signing?
Northampton centre James Downey has signed a two-year deal with Munster that will see him join the province for the beginning of next season
Limerick Leader rugby correspondent Colm Kinsella profiles Munster’s new centre James Downey, a player who has played professionaly in Ireland, England and Italy
NEW Munster signing James Downey has enjoyed a major upturn in his rugby career having been released by Italian side Calvisano in 2007.
Downey found himself without a job for a month and was thinking about turning his back on rugby. However, an injury to David Quinlan at the Northampton Saints’ provided Downey with an opening to breath new life into his rugby career. And Dublin-born Downey, who played his club rugby with Clontarf initially, made the most of his opportunities at Franklin’s Gardens, initially when the club was in the second tier of English rugby.
“Sometimes I have to pinch myself,” Downey admitted prior to the Saints’ Heineken Cup final showdown with Leinster last May.
“Especially when I went to Italy (Calvisano), I certainly would not have thought I would be in this position now.
“I was released and didn’t have a job for a month, I was thinking about giving up on it. I have come full circle, from being unemployed to being in a Heineken Cup final.
“Things happen for a reason. Dave Quinlan got injured here (at Northampton) and a door opened for me, and it has worked out for both of us. Hopefully I can repay Northampton tomorrow.”
Downey played a vital vital role when Northampton Saints marched all the way to Amlin Challenge Cup glory in 2009.
The 30-year-old played with Leinster initially before joining up with Connacht during the 2005-’06 season. However, the tough tackling centre experienced an injury ravaged stint with Connacht, making just three appearances for the province and was subsequently released. He had a trial stint with Munster in 2006 during which time he lined out for the province on three occasions.
Downey was offered a contract by Munster after his three-month trial spell was complete, but with no guarantee of being a first choice starter in the side, he chose to move to Calvisano who were also playing in the Heineken Cup. During his time in Italy, Downey also won an Italian Championship medal.
The former Irish U-19 international was a Churchill Cup winner with Ireland Wolfhounds (‘A’ side) in 2009 and European Challenge Cup with Northampton in the same year.
The inside centre played 135 games for the Northampton Saints in total, scoring 12 tries. Downey was recognised as one of the lynchpins of the Saints’ backline, his ball carries getting the team over the gainline and giving the forwards something to aim at. He is also renowned defensively.
Drumcondra man Downey joins Munster on a two-year deal at the end of the current season.
Munster coach Tony McGahan believes Downey will be a valuable asset to the province’s backline.
“James is a quality player who has been on our radar for some time now,” McGahan said.
“We’ve seen at first hand (in the Heineken Cup) exactly what he has to offer and believe that his style and his attitude can only enhance our squad.”
Downey scored one of his two tries this season in the Saints narrow defeat by Munster in the Heineken Cup at Thomond Park last November .
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