New lease of life for Duncan Casey in France

There has been some semi-final success for a Munsterman in recent weeks and for hooker Duncan Casey his appearance for Grenoble in tomorrow’s Pro D2 final against Perpignan represents a vindication of his decision not to walk away from the game he loves.

While former team-mates take on Edinburgh in Limerick today, still licking their wounds from a second Champions Cup semi-final defeat in successive seasons, Casey will be in Toulouse as Grenoble conclude preparations at Stade Ernest Wallon for a shot at Top14 rugby next season.

The 27-year-old had been on the verge of quitting rugby altogether as his Munster career, which got underway with the province’s young player of the year award for 2014-15, reached a roadblock earlier this season. A series of injuries had denied him the game time necessary to stake a claim to regular first-team rugby and disillusionment with the game had set in. What altered Casey’s outlook was a lifeline to France and the chance to sign for ProD2 challengers Grenoble as a medical joker.