Munster and Exiles scrap for fly-half Warwick

A WAR of words has erupted between Munster and London Irish over the future of fly-half Paul Warwick.

The English Premiership club claimed on Tuesday that they had signed Warwick on a three-year deal, however Munster spokesman Pat Geraghty yesterday insisted that the former Connacht back is set to remain with the province.

Geraghty, admitted Warwick had been in talks with the London outfit, but left no room for doubt last night.

He said: “Paul is a Munster player until the end of the season. Nothing has changed there. We are aware of London Irish’s interest, but he is a player that Munster want to keep hold of beyond his current contract. And as far as we are concerned, he will be staying.”

However, London Irish spokesman Paddy Lennon last night claimed that the fly-half, who is out of contract with Munster at the end of the season, signed on the dotted line with the Exiles some weeks ago.

He said: “Never in my 15 years at the club have I claimed that we have signed any player without all of the legal issues being resolved first. And there is no difference with this deal.

“Paul signed a legal contract with us on January 13. Paul Warwick will be joining us on July 1 when his contract with Munster runs out.”

Warwick, who joined Munster at the start of last season from Connacht, has made 33 appearances for the side, scoring 211 points. The former Australia U-21 and Sevens international moved to Ireland in 2004 from Manly and earned a move to Munster after impressing in the European Challenge Cup.