Munster's Foley hopeful of holding on to Irish stars

By John Fallon

Munster coach Anthony Foley remains confident of holding on to his Irish stars Conor Murray, Simon Zebo and Keith Earls after securing the future of CJ Stander for the next two years.

Foley said there were no developments with trio — amid new rumours yesterday that Zebo was to sign for Pau in France — but it was an ongoing process.

"That is all being done in the background. I don't have any news on that at the moment. It's progressing."

He said that nailing down Stander, who is now Irish-qualified, for the next two seasons sent out a positive message.

"It is great. It's a sign of the man, he has come over here lock, stock and barrel and put everything in for us. He has progressed very well over the past couple of seasons and he has really put a mark in Irish rugby at the moment.

"For him to commit to Munster rugby for two more seasons after this good for everyone concerned.

"It's a good boost for everyone involved in Munster that one of our best players is staying. I think it is something that lays down a marker for everyone else,” added Foley.

CJ Stander has committed to Munster until 2018.

His primary concern at the moment is getting his side back to winning ways away to Dragons on Sunday following their 18-12 home loss to Connacht at the weekend.

But centre Francis Saili and scrum-half Conor Murray are unlikely to feature and are doubtful for the back-to-back Champions Cup matches against Leicester Tigers.

Foley said that they needed to bounce back after the loss to Connacht.