McGahan delight as Reds seal Murphy deal
The 25-year-old Ireland A international will join the province at the end of this season on a two-year deal. McGahan has been impressed with Murphy’s performances for the Premiership outfit where he made 93 appearances, scoring 27 tries.
McGahan said: “After being part of a very successful period with Leicester we look forward to Johne’s participation on and off the field with Munster. His strong ball carrying, strong individual defence and finishing ability from either wing or fullback are some of the attributes we are looking forward to Johne bringing to the backline division.”
Meanwhile, Wales hope to discover today whether or not banned full-back Lee Byrne can face England in Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations opener. The outcome of Byrne’s appeal to an ERC independent panel could impact on Welsh victory hopes at Twickenham. Wales are currently training with two different line-ups – one that includes Ospreys full-back Byrne, and one that does not.
If the British and Irish Lions star, who can play again on February 13 – the day of Wales’ second Six Nations fixture against Scotland in Cardiff – remains suspended for two weeks, then James Hook looks set to retain the number 15 shirt he wore during Wales’ autumn Tests this season. But Byrne’s case raises the issue of why a player who is banned while appearing for his regional team in Europe, should then miss a Wales Six Nations Test.
In soccer, for instance, a Champions League suspension does not apply to the Premier League.
“Maybe it is something that can be looked at in rugby,” said Wales kicking coach Neil Jenkins. “It is difficult when something happens for your region and then you get banned for your country as well. I don’t think it is a great scenario, but that is down to the guys in charge.”
Alasdair Strokosch and Rory Lamont have been ruled out of Scotland’s Six Nations opener against France. Gloucester flanker Strokosch has returned to his club for further treatment on the ankle injury he sustained playing for them last month. Toulon full-back Lamont only recently returned from injury but he requires rehabilitation on an ankle problem of his own. Robinson will name his team for Sunday’s game with France today.
France lock Sebastien Chabal has been forced to pull out of Les Bleus’ RBS 6 Nations opener against Scotland at Murrayfield with a back injury.
The 32-year-old’s place in the squad has been taken by Toulouse’s Yoann Maestri.
Chabal did not take part in training over the weekend in a bid to help him recover from the injury.
However, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) confirmed today that the Racing Metro lock will not be fit in time for Sunday’s clash.
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