Rising star Nagle snubs Saints to pen new contract with Munster

MUNSTER has scored an important victory for the future by securing Ian Nagle’s signature for a further two years.

The young star from Buttevant has inked a new contract with the province, despite having his head turned by a considerable money offer from Northampton.

Nagle, a second row who came through the Irish under-age system, has seen his Development deal bumped up to a full senior contract that pushes him higher up the pecking order in Munster.

The Cork Constitution player, a school’s product of Glenstal Abbey, has represented Ireland at U-19 and U-20 levels and boosted his reputation with a man of the match display when Munster beat Australia in Thomond Park back in November.

There are others, however, in the Munster camp who could be targeted by overseas clubs, particularly those who have played well over the last couple of seasons in the British and Irish Cup.

That includes the likes of Paddy Butler, Danny Barnes, Stephen Archer, Peter O’Mahony, Declan Cusack, Dave Foley and Scott Deasy, all of whom are believed to be in negotiation with Munster to either continue on development contracts or to upgrade.

Meanwhile Munster’s Amlin Challenge Cup quarter final against Brive has been scheduled for Saturday, April 9 at 1pm Irish time in the Stadium Municipal Amédée Domenech. Live television coverage has not yet been confirmed by Sky Sports, a situation that could cause considerable angst among the province’s band of loyal followers.

Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-finals

Thursday, April 7th: La Rochelle v Clermont Auvergne, Stade Marcel Deflandre, 7.45pm

Friday, April 8th: Harlequins v Wasps, The Stoop, 7.45pm; Stade Français v Montpellier, Stade Charléty, 7.45pm.

Saturday, April 9th: Brive v Munster, Stadium Municipal Amédée Domenech, 1pm.

Semi-finals: Stade Français/Montpellier v La Rochelle/Clermont Auvergne; Brive/Munster v Harlequins/Wasps.

Final: Friday, May 20th (7.45pm)