The front of Molly's restaurant in Kilfinane
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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Malakai Fekitoa looks to make a break for Munster Rugby in their URC final win over the Stormers at DHL Stadium
CENTRE Malakai Fekitoa has thanked the people of Limerick for the welcome he received during his time here and the Munster Rugby players for the 'unforgettable memories' he made both on and off the pitch.
Fekitoa signed a two-year contract with Munster ahead of the 2022/23 season. However, in February it was confirmed that the centre would depart the province at the end of this campaign after one year at the province.
The 31-year-old played 19 times for Munster Rugby during the 2022/2023 season, scoring two tries.
World Cup winner Fekitoa enjoyed a strong second half of the season, playing a pivotal role in Munster's run to URC glory at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town at the end of last month.
Fekitoa said his time in Munster had been a rewarding one.
In a post on social media, centre Fekitoa wrote: "My time here in Ireland has come to an end. Thanks to all the people who have always trusted me and supported me throughout the year.
"It was a different year, even before I joined the club it was difficult but I kept working hard and the end has been very rewarding . . . . What a way to finish!
"I would also like to thank all the people who made my family and I feel welcome from day one, our lovely neighbours, Billy's Barber shop and the whole Limerick community.
"Finally, thanks to all the players for their support, for allowing me to be myself and for the unforgettable memories on and off the pitch.
Malo aupito | Thank you"
How good Mara’s last time at Thomond Park @Munsterrugby pic.twitter.com/YkIM0Ri9Kx
— Malakai Fekitoa (@MalakaiFekitoa) May 29, 2023
Fekitoa is moving to Munster's URC rivals, Italian side Benetton, for next season.
Born and raised in Ha’apai, Tonga, Fekitoa made 24 appearances for the All Blacks between 2014 and 2017 and helped the Highlanders to their first-ever Super Rugby title in 2015.
Fekitoa departed the Highlanders for Toulon in 2017 and spent two seasons in France before spending the last three years at Wasps.
He now represents Tonga at international level and played his first game for his native country against Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup in July 2022.
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