Blow for Munster as Horne rejects lucrative offer

Australian centre Rob Horne has rejected a lucrative contract offer from Munster and will remain with the New South Wales Waraths.

Media outlets in Australia reported last night that Horne turned down an offer of $800,000 (€562,000) over two seasons so he can re-commit to his club and further his international ambitions.

The news is a huge blow to Munster following their early European exit.

However the monies reportedly on offer certainly back up assertions made by head coach Anthony Foley last week that his hands were not tied financially in his quest for world class players.

“In terms of marquee signings, I deal with (CEO) Garrett (Fitzgerald),” Foley said last week. “He’s great at what he does and he has gone after players.

“I swear to you, money is not an issue, it’s getting the player.

“A lot of the players we have approached won’t leave their home country and that has nothing to do with money.”

The announcement though will have wider implications for teams in the northern hemisphere as the Australian Rugby Union strives to keep its top players at home while repatriating some of those who have already departed.

That could also have ramifications for Leinster as lock Kane Douglas, who joined the province last summer, is reportedly one of those exiles whom Wallaby coach Michael Cheika is keen to lure back home.