Simon Zebo hopes Munster door isn’t closed forever

Simon Zebo may be leaving Munster for France at the end of the season, but the man with the X factor is hoping the door to his home province is not shut behind him.

Zebo announced in October that he would be quitting Munster at the conclusion of his current contract to fulfil his ambition to play in the French Top14. It was devastating news for supporters, coming after Donnacha Ryan’s exit from the province last summer for Racing 92, also Zebo’s expected destination.

Yet, while the 27-year-old is determined to sample life in France with partner Elvira and his two young children, and play rugby there while at the peak of his powers, he made it clear yesterday that Munster will be the place to which he will return, if the province will have him.