Ben Healy's move from Munster to Edinburgh confirmed

DEPARTING: Ben Healy will leave Munster at the end of the season. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Edinburgh have confirmed the signing of Ben Healy from Munster on a two-year deal.

The 23-year old will depart Munster next summer and could find his way into Gregor Townsend’s squad for the World Cup, with the Tipperary native qualifying to play for Scotland through his grandparents.

Munster head coach Graham Rowntree said they were hugely disappointed to lose Healy, who was offered an extended contract.

Healy has made 47 appearances for Munster so far, scoring 275 points, but Jack Crowley has edged in front of him in the pecking order behind Joey Carbery at out-half.

“We are hugely disappointed to see Ben depart at the end of the season,” said Rowntree.

“I’ve noted all along our desire to bring through and develop homegrown talent so to lose a player of Ben’s calibre is tough to take.

“As a young player Ben is striving to achieve his career goals, and we fully understand his professional aspirations and the journey he is on.

“For the most part we are successful in retaining our best talent within our system, however, this is unfortunately out of our hands on this occasion.

“Ben has been outstanding throughout this lengthy process, and he has been an exemplary professional while discussions have been ongoing in the background. Sunday’s performance once again highlights his standing in this squad, and while he will be very much missed on and off the field his contribution will continue to be highly valued in the coming months.” 

Healy said it was a difficult decision to make but believes heading to Scotland is his best career option at this stage.

“This has been a huge decision to make, and working closely with the province I have had the chance to give it the time and consideration it warranted,” he said in a statement on the Munster website.

“Making the decision to leave my home club has not been easy and I am hugely grateful for the opportunity to represent my province.

“I have career objectives I wish to target, and I believe a move to a club such as Edinburgh Rugby gives me the best opportunity to fulfil my professional goals.

“As a result of this process I have a heightened sense of urgency to achieve success with Munster and I look forward to doing everything possible to make this happen in the coming months.”

For their part, Edinburgh are delighted with the coup, with head coach Mike Blair citing Healy’s qualification for Scotland as a contributory factor in the Munster man signing for their URC rivals. 

Ireland are due to face the Scots in the nations’ final pool game at France 2023 and Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend is understood to have played a part in luring the uncapped Healy from his home province.

“We’re absolutely delighted to secure Ben’s signature,” Blair said. “He’s a quality playmaker who brings excellent game management and kicking ability to our already talented group of 10s.

“He’s kicking at goal at over 90 per cent accuracy so far this season while his performances – from both the bench and in starts for Munster – have been hugely impressive. He’s got great calmness around the way he dictates play and influences matches.

“With Ben being Scottish qualified, that was another important factor in the decision to bring him in, and I know he’ll be really excited to hit the ground running at a new club, and in a new city, while competing for a place in our squad.

“All of us at the club are looking forward to welcoming Ben to Edinburgh this coming summer.”