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Munster confirm 12 players exiting the province
By Kim Ekin
Munster have confirmed the names of twelve players that are leaving the province as the season draws to a close.
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The twelve include one Rugby World Cup and a total of three internationals. One senior player and one academy player are retiring on medical grounds.
In a statement the province said: “It was announced earlier this year that Chris Cloete, Damian de Allende, Jake Flannery, Matt Gallagher, Jason Jenkins, Declan Moore, Kevin O’Byrne and John Ryan will move on.
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“In addition to the eight players above, the province can confirm that Seán French, Alex McHenry, Rowan Osborne and Academy player Jonathan Wren have all completed their time at Munster.
“Both Seán French and Alex McHenry will leave for England to pursue playing chances. Rowan Osborne has decided to retire from professional rugby owing to a concussion he had earlier in the season.”
Rowan has been receiving specialized medical treatment since his concussion, and despite his and the medical team’s best efforts, as well as lengthy talks with family and friends, the decision to retire was taken in the best interests of his long-term health. Osborne joined Munster last summer and played in the opening two games of the season against Sharks and Stormers before being ruled out through injury.
Academy product Jonathan Wren is also retiring on medical grounds.
“Unfortunately for Academy back three player Jonathan Wren, the Ireland U20s Grand Slam winner is also retiring from the game on medical grounds despite battling back from a number of setbacks,” said Munster.
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The most high-profile exits are that of Damian De Allende, Chris Cloete and John Ryan. Bath bound Cloete scored 11 tries in 65 Munster appearances since making his debut in 2017. De Allende spent two seasons at Munster, scoring five tries in 37 appearances.
Former Saracens fullback Matt Gallagher is also leaving and is heading to Bath with Cloete and head coach Johann Van Graan. He spent two years at Munster and scored three tries in 13 appearances.
Jason Jenkins spent one year at Munster and recovered from an injury-hit spell to make 10 appearances for the province. The one-cap Springbok has signed for Irish URC rivals Leinster.
John Ryan, who scored five tries in 197 Munster appearances, is off to Wasps in the Gallagher Premiership.
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DEPARTING PLAYERS: Chris Cloete (Bath), Damian de Allende (TBC), Jake Flannery (Ulster), Seán French (English club – TBC), Matt Gallagher (Bath), Alex McHenry (English club – TBC), Jason Jenkins (Leinster), Declan Moore (Ulster), Kevin O’Byrne (Ealing Trailfinders), Rowan Osborne (retiring), John Ryan (Wasps), Jonathan Wren (retiring).
