JJ Hanrahan and Darren Sweetnam's exits confirmed as Munster linked with Springbok Jason Jenkins

Hanrahan could be coached by Jonno Gibbes at the Stade Marcel Michelin while winger Sweetnam has three months to impress La Rochelle boss Ronan O'Gara

CLERMONT-BOUND: Munster's JJ Hanrahan has agreed a one-year deal, with an option of a second year, at Clermont Auvergne in the Top 14. Picture: James Crombie

Munster colleagues JJ Hanrahan and Darren Sweetnam could be lining up against each other in the French Top 14 next season.

Hanrahan has confirmed he's leaving Munster and heading to Clermont-Auvergne on a one-year deal, with the option of a second, while Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle has confirmed it has signed Bandon man Sweetnam on a short-term 'medical joker' contract until the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Munster are reportedly poised to sign South African second-row Jason Jenkins. The once-capped Springbok (25) is currently playing for Toyota Verblitz in Japan, having come through the ranks with the Bulls. 

On Sweetnam's signing, O'Gara told Examiner Sport: "Bringing in Darren to La Rochelle as emergency cover in our backs is a really good signing for us. It’s a totally serious proposition for us and hopefully for Darren. In the wake of the loss to a cruciate of Jeremy Sinzelle, we are down to the bare bones. Darren is out of contract shortly with Munster, so it’s a potential win-win for both parties.

"It’s a three-month deal and if he proves his worth, he will be kept, so the ball is in his court. I’ve seldom seen a club leave a player go if he’s adding real value to the group, have you?"

ROG REUNION: Munster wing Darren Sweetnam, who has signed for Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle in the Top 14 on a three-month contract. 

O'Gara added: "He hasn’t really had a break for Munster as the back three is a very competitive area there. Mike Haley has had a good season, Matt Gallagher came in from Saracens but hasn’t got much game time either, Earlsie is a banker, as you’d think Andrew Conway is, and Shane Daly has been involved at national level – and that takes no account of young lads coming through. So if Darren does his stuff, it’s all upside."

The 27-year-old requested an early release from his contract to join the Top 14 outfit. Sweetnam made 92 appearances for the province, scoring 22 tries, while on the international front he represented Ireland on three occasions and scored a try on his first start against Fiji in November 2017.

Said Munster head coach Johann van Graan, “We were eager to retain the services of Darren beyond the current campaign, but it hasn’t been feasible. He is a hugely talented player who has a chance to play in the premier French competition over the coming months and while we are disappointed to see him leave, we are supportive of the move with the hope of Darren securing future opportunities and success in his career.”

JJ Hanrahan is also out of contract in his home province, and admitted it was "difficult to hear" his future lay elsewhere. However, the Kerry man, who made 140 appearances in red, believes he is going to a Top 14 outfit with very similar values to Munster's.

“I have lifelong friends from this club, and I am very proud to represent the people of Munster and in particular the people of Kerry.

“Equally, I believe I am going to a club with very similar traditions and values in Clermont and it’s an opportunity I am extremely excited for.

“Currently my main focus is to give everything I have to the Munster jersey during my time left here in Ireland.”

Hanrahan told French media today: "I will be proud to wear the Clermont jersey and to have the opportunity to have a new experience living in France with the ambition of contributing everything I can to help the club and the team to win new titles.

"I can’t wait to play at the Stade Marcel-Michelin in front of incredible fans who are famous far beyond the borders of Auvergne."

Clermont coach Franck Azema is leaving the club at the end of the season, with speculation that former Leinster forwards coach Jonno Gibbes - now director of rugby at Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle - is favoured to take over at the Stade Marcel Michelin.

Earlier this season the French outfit saw the Currow man at his best when he helped Munster secure victory at Stade Marcel Michelin in the second round of the Champions Cup. The out-half was 100% accurate off the tee and scored 24 points in the memorable comeback.

Added Hanrahan: “It was difficult to hear the news regarding my future with Munster - however, it has been a dream come true and a privilege to represent my home province and wear the jersey for eight years.

Head Coach Johann van Graan said, “JJ is a fantastic player and has been a great servant to Munster Rugby.

“We’ve said from the beginning we want to retain all of our players but unfortunately the harsh realities of what’s happened over the past year have come to a head. Due to the challenges stemming from the Covid landscape we are not in a position to hold onto a player of JJ’s calibre, and we are sorry to see him go.

“While he has a fantastic opportunity ahead of him we still have a job to do here and we look forward to JJ successfully seeing out his time in the red jersey.”