Galwey opts out of full-time rugby

Star lock Mick Galwey has opted not to take up a full-time rugby contract with Munster for next season.

But coach Alan Gaffney said 36-year-old Galwey is likely to feature in some games for Munster during the season as well as being involved in the backroom team in some capacity.

Galwey has made more than 140 appearances for Munster to date, captaining the province on 85 occasions.

The Kerry native has scored 17 tries to date.

Gaffney was speaking in Limerick at the unveiling of the new playing squad and new jersey crest which includes a stag’s head as well and the traditional three crowns.

“At this point in time ‘Gaillimh’ has said that he will not be taking a full time contract,” Alan Gaffney said.

“That’s Mick’s choice but he will definitely be involved.

“I would not be surprised if he played a few games for us.

New players included in the Munster squad, unveiled last night, included winger Shaun Payne who joins the side from Welsh club Swansea and former ACT Brumbies lock, David Pusey. Both qualify to play for Ireland under the parentage rule.

New home grown players Jerry Flannery, Eoin Reddan and Donal Sheehan have also been included in the 31-man squad.

The three remaining vacancies in the Munster squad will be filled within the next week.

All Black fullback Christian Cullen, and the Australian-born Welsh international Jason Jones-Hughes are among the players tipped to join up with the squad.

Munster open the defence of their Celtic League away to Leinster on the weekend of September 5/6.

Munster’s first home game will be against Llanelli on September 12/13.

The side will play 22 games in the round robin phase of the competition.