Hanrahan still has a future with Munster, insists boss Foley

Anthony Foley has insisted JJ Hanrahan has a future with Munster and his lack of game time so far this season has been due to a late start to pre-season.

Munster head coach Foley was yesterday on a mission to explain the status of the exciting out-half, following reports the 22-year-old has been offered a lucrative deal with English champions Northampton Saints when his current deal runs out next summer.

The suggestion Hanrahan might be contemplating leaving his native province will be seen as a distraction within the Munster camp ahead of their do-or-die European Champions Cup trip to Clermont Auvergne on Sunday. Hanrahan was left on the bench in last Saturday’s home defeat to Clermont, with the Kerry man having started just four times in nine appearances this season, two of those at full-back.