Perpignan eye up Mafi as Downey returns to Munster

Perpignan will provide an exit route for Munster inside centre Lifeimi Mafi following the Irish province’s signing yesterday of James Downey from Northampton Saints.

Dubliner Downey’s long-touted transfer from the English Premiership side was confirmed yesterday by Munster, with whom he has signed a two-year deal to move back to the team he spent a season at in 2006-07. Downey, 30, will leave Northampton at the end of the season when his contract at Franklin’s Gardens expires after five years with the Saints.

The Irishman’s arrival will signal the exit of Tongan-born, former New Zealand U21 Mafi, with reports coming from France suggesting Perpignan will be the 2008 Heineken Cup winner’s next destination.