Castres deal lures Fitzpatrick from Ulster
Fitzpatrick is leaving the province with whom he won a European Cup medal with back in 1999, for an much-improved financial package with the French side for whom his Ulster colleague Jeremy Davidson played for several seasons.
The 29-year-old Essex-born loose-head moved from London Irish to Ulster back in 1998 and has been a massive influence since - failing to start in just three games.
Fitzpatrick lost his international contract two seasons ago, but had a provincial deal with Ulster.
His development in harness with Springbok Robbie Kempson this season saw him earn his international return. He came on as a replacement in the games against Wales and England during Ireland's creditable Six Nations campaign to bring his total to 23 caps.
An Ulster Branch statement said: "Fitzpatrick received an offer that he feels at his stage of his career and with a young family, he must accept for his long-term financial security."
Ulster Branch Chief Executive Michael Reid, commented, "We are sorry to lose Justin, but understand his decision. Justin has contributed a huge amount to Ulster Rugby, both on and off the field and I wish him well."
Irish coach Eddie O'Sullivan said last night that Fitzpatrick was a very important player for Ulster in recent seasons and had worked hard to get back onto the Irish squad.
"As long as he continues to play top-class rugby, he will be on the Irish radar screen," he said.
In the meantime, Shannon coach Geoff Moylan is banking on another AIB league victory to keep the season alive, but opponents Buccaneers are not in the slightest bit impressed with the fixing of an interprovincial friendly between Munster and Connacht (at Thomond Park) on the eve of tomorrow's game at Ericsson Park.
Connacht have nothing to play for and Buccaneers believe the only winners will be Munster, as they chase a place in the semi-finals of the Heineken Cup. The club, chasing a place in the last four of the AIB League could suffer as a result.
A Buccaneers spokesperson said: "This game should surely have been played in mid-week. From Connacht's point of view it is a meaningless match even if we do appreciate that Munster need a game in advance of their clash with Leicester.
"As a consequence, both club teams will be short some of the main players. We're not quite sure who will suffer most until the teams are announced, but we can only hope that a good few of the contracted players will be available.
"It is hardly the ideal situation as we prepare for a match that is so important to both sides. However, I suppose we have to get on with it and prepare as best as we possibly can."
After an empathic win over Blackrock last weekend, hopes are a high in the Shannon camp of making the final top four spot, but Moylan knows his side have to win all of the remaining games to stay in contention.
First up are Buccs, who currently hold fourth position, and Moylan also knows that victory won't come easy tomorrow.
Shannon's record against Buccaneers is good with three wins and a draw from the four previous encounters. Moylan will finalise his team today when he finds out how many of the Shannon players line out with Munster at Thomond Park this evening.
Despite missing some notable personnel, Shannon can include the likes of Eddie Halvey, Mossy Lawlor, Andrew Thompson, Colm McMahon, John Lacey and, of course, Mick Galwey who made his original senior debut for Shannon against Athlone on the same ground.
It is a must win showdown for both sides if they are to reach the knock-out stages.
The home side currently occupy fourth place and the Limerick club just two points and two places adrift.
Elsewhere, UL/Bohs have to take on St Mary's College and might be expected to capitulate. They can, however, take heart from an earlier match at Thomond Park when they narrowly lost to high-flying Clontarf who, on current form, must be expected to top the table.
It has been a traumatic year for UL/Bohs but they hope against hope that the late games go in their favour.
As they battle against relegation they do, however, have a tough run-in. What they will be hoping for is to keep pace with County Carlow home to UCD this week and then to Blackrock before meeting at Thomond Park in the final game of the season. Bohs take on Garryowen next weekend and, if both sides are even beaten twice in this period, it could be a cracker on April 19.
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