Manning decides to go back to NZ

PAUL O’CONNELL, Alan Quinlan, Tony Buckley and Peter Stringer return to strengthen Munster’s Magners League challenge this weekend, but the search for Ronan O’Gara’s back-up seems set to continue after Jeremy Manning’s announcement that he is to return to New Zealand at the end of the season.

The Kiwi has called time on a four-season long sojourn rugby career in Ireland and will return to NPC outfit North Harbour, despite another contract offer from Munster.

The 22-year-old explained: “It had always been my intention to return home at some stage and the offer from North Harbour probably hastened that decision. It was a great opportunity to play at a different level and it was one I felt I just couldn’t let go.”