Luke Fitzgerald: "I almost joined Munster"

Luke Fitzgerald has revealed that were it not for the intervention of Brian O’Driscoll, he would probably be playing for Munster this year.

Fitzgerald, who seems certain to start Ireland’s opening Six Nations clash with Scotland on Sunday, said that Munster was a very real option when contract negotiations were underway last year.

Despite having made his name as a winger with Leinster, Ireland and the Lions, the 26-year-old thought that the Reds might present him with the best opportunity to play regularly in what he feels may be his best position, at outside centre.