Irish move a ‘no brainer’

New Munster signing Casey Laulala described his move to Ireland as a ‘no brainer’.

The 29-year old outside centre will link up with Tony McGahan’s squad after three seasons with Cardiff Blues.

The former All-Black, who was born in Samoa, is relishing the switch. “It was a no-brainer, they are one of the super-powers of European rugby. I have had two-and-a-half great years in Cardiff but when Munster came in it was hard to turn down,” said Laulala, who went off injured against Connacht on Friday night.

He revealed: “I spoke with Peter Borlase and Lifeimi Mafi, (ex Canterbury team mates), and they told me what I should do and how it works.

“They filled me in on the set-up between Cork and Limerick. You just have to put up with the travelling once a week!

Laulala, who was capped twice, said he expects to have to battle for his place.

“They are world class players. When you are competing for places it is always a happy thing, it keeps you on your toes and makes you train hard.

“Hopefully I can go there and whatever attributes I have, I want to be able to help out the team in a number of ways,” said Laulala.

He hopes to finish his season on a high with Cardiff Blues, who meet Leinster in the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup on April 7, and is unsure yet whether he will base himself in Limerick or Cork but plans on seeing some of Europe before making the summer move.

“I think we might do a bit of travelling around Europe this year because we went home last year after the season. And with the move as well it will be tough. I have a wife and daughter so it will be exciting and a new beginning and hopefully good things come from it,” he said.