Rugby star Ian Nagle is leaving Munster to join Leinster

Former Munster lock, Ian Nagle will look to deliver on some of his untapped potential in the unfamiliar surroundings of the RDS next season, having committed himself to Leinster.

The Cork Constitution product burst into the public consciousness with a brilliant performance on a famous Thomond Park night in November 2010, when Munster defeated Australia.

That display earned him a man of the match award but the U19 and U20 international failed to become a permanent fixture with the Reds, making just 29 appearances, although he was selected twice for the Irish Wolfhounds and named as part of the Ireland training panel for the 2012 Six Nations.

Nagle joined Newcastle Falcons on a short-term loan in 2014 but took a sabbatical from rugby to pursue his studies. His return to the game on a professional level was confirmed two weeks ago with the revelation he was joining London Irish until the end of the current season.

Now 27, he will aim to benefit from the tutelage of Leinster head coach Leo Cullen – himself a Test class lock – and establish himself in the Blues’ engine room.

“It is well documented at this stage Ian took a sabbatical from rugby at the end of the 2013/14 season to pursue educational opportunities, most recently at Cambridge University,” said Cullen. “He has however, made a return to rugby with London Irish and was involved last weekend in their win against Worcester.

“He is also relatively young, at 27, and I think he will add even more experience and competition to an already competitive second row roster.”

With Nagle and Robbie Henshaw the new recruits for next season, Cullen revealed 17 squad members had also signed IRFU contracts to take them into the future.

They include Ireland internationals Sean O’Brien, Mike Ross, Dave Kearney, Mike McCarthy, Jack McGrath, Rhys Ruddock, Tadhg Furlong, Michael Bent, skipper Isa Nacewa, and hot prospects Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier. Adam Byrne, Tom Daly, Peter Dooley, Cathal Marsh and Ross Molony are others whose progress has been rewarded.

Meanwhile, Ulster were celebrating their own good news as centre Stuart Olding, described by director of rugby Les Kiss as “one of the most talented players I have ever worked with”, signed a contract extension that will keep him at Kingspan Stadium until the summer of 2019.

Regarded as a magnificent prospect before being struck down by two serious knee injuries, the twice-capped 22-year-old has made an eye-catching return to action in recent weeks.

While he has fallen behind clubmates Jared Payne, Stuart McCloskey, Luke Marshall and Darren Cave, as well as Henshaw and Ringrose in the Test stakes, his ability to play across the back division means he is likely to see plenty of action for Ulster, which could bring him to Joe Schmidt’s attention.

“I’m delighted to be with Ulster for another few years, and it’s a boost to sign the extension so soon after my return from injury,” said Olding.

“I’ve been unfortunate with injuries over the past couple of seasons but the medical staff and management team here at Ulster have been outstanding and they have provided me with phenomenal support during some tough times.”

Kiss was equally enthusiastic. “To have Stuart committing to Ulster Rugby is another huge boost for us. He has worked incredibly hard to come back from injury and he is starting to recapture some of his best form.

“The determination and character he has shown in returning from his most recent injury speaks volumes about him as an individual and he is exactly the type of person we need in the squad.

“He is one of the most talented players I have ever worked with and he is a superb asset to this organisation

“I’m sure that he will have a massive impact for us over the next few seasons.”