Nagle part of Munster future, says McGahan

TONY McGAHAN has insisted rising second-row star Ian Nagle is an integral part of Munster’s future.

A day after promoting the lock as the additional player to their Heineken Cup squad for Saturday’s final pool game against London Irish, the provincial head coach moved to head off speculation linking the 22-year-old from Buttevant with a move to English high-fliers Northampton Saints.

McGahan said: “Ian’s a very important part of our plans at this point in time and going forward. With the day and age of managers looking out for their players and putting them forward to English clubs and French clubs at the same time. That’s part and parcel of their job. From our perspective, we’d be very keen to keep Ian because we certainly think he’s got a very big future. What he’s displayed with us over the last two years and, more importantly, currently, what he’s done with the squad, so far, has been really impressive.”

Munster academy graduate Nagle signed a development contract at the start of the season having made his senior debut the previous pre-season and with the province’s established locks Paul O’Connell, Donncha O’Callaghan and Mick O’Driscoll, as well as Donnacha Ryan, all in line for extended absences on Ireland duty this year, McGahan predicted numerous chances for the youngster to shine in a red shirt.

“There’s a big block of games coming up (during) the Six Nations that he’ll be a part of and going forward with the World Cup and the Six Nations next year. There’s going to be plenty of opportunity for him.”

McGahan reported no fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s London Irish game but there was one participant definitely ruled out. Welsh referee Nigel Owens is ruled out with an injury and he’ll be replaced at Thomond Park by Scotland’s Peter Allan.