Warwick confirms Munster exit

PAUL WARWICK’S departure from Munster at the end of the season was confirmed last night.

The Australian-born back, in his fourth season with Munster, has recently been linked with a move to Stade Francais, who are believed to have offered him a much better package than the one-year deal offered by his Irish employers. It is understood Warwick is attracted as much by the possibility of a three-year deal with Stade as he is with the financial remuneration.

Munster issued a statement confirming the 29-year-old’s departure but did not disclose Warwick’s likely destination, Stade or otherwise. The statement merely read that Warwick, who played his 80th game for Munster in the Heineken Cup defeat at Ospreys, “has attracted the interest of several European clubs who have offered terms that Munster are unable to match”.

Warwick was just as equivocal, preferring to underline his commitment to the Munster cause for the rest of his time in the province.

“We felt the need to address the recent speculation about my future by confirming my intention to move,” Warwick said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here with Munster and hope I can contribute in helping the squad achieve the goals we set for ourselves at the start of the season.”

Munster coach Tony McGahan said: “We are disappointed that Paul will be leaving us. He has been a quality player who significantly contributed at both full-back and fly-half over the past four seasons.

“We understand the reasons for his decision and he leaves with our best wishes professionally and personally.”