JJ Hanrahan exit a body blow for Munster

Munster’s position as one of European rugby’s movers and shakers came under renewed pressure yesterday as the province lost its fight to keep rising homegrown star JJ Hanrahan.

The 22-year-old out-half will join England’s reigning champions Northampton Saints next summer having turned down an enhanced deal to stay with his native province and compete with Ian Keatley for the Number 10 jersey he coveted most.

Hanrahan’s decision was communicated initially by Saints on the day when Munster had hoped its announcement of a new two-year contract for Keatley as well as deals for younger players Cian Bohane, Shane Buckley, Kevin O’Byrne and Jack O’Donoghue would hit the rugby headlines.