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Munster lighten the mood by pinning Beirne to early contract decision

Munster's Tadhg Beirne. (Getty)

Munster have lightened the dour mood surrounding them this week by confirming that Tadhg Beirne has signed a two-year contract extension that will see him remain with the province until June 2022.

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The Irish province were rocked on Tuesday by the revelation that assistant coaches Jerry Flannery and Felix Jones has spurned the offer of contract extensions and would instead be moving this summer.

However, they have now attempted to change the negative narrative by announcing that Ireland international Beirne, who joined Munster on a two-year deal last summer from Scarlets, has committed to the province for a further two years.

In starting 18 of his 20 appearances to date, the 27-year-old lock has also scored two tries. Recognised for his impressive workrate at the breakdown, he was man of the match awards at home and away against Exeter Chiefs in the Champions Cup, and against Leinster, Ospreys and Connacht in the Guinness PRO14.

The turnover king topped the charts in the Champions Cup with 15 turnovers and following committed performances in red, he was nominated for Munster player of the year by his fellow team-mates in April.

On the international stage, Beirne has five Ireland caps and made his Six Nations debut starting against Wales in March.

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Further positive news for the province sees academy scrum-half Craig Casey advance to a development contract at the start of next season, moving to a full contract at the beginning of the 2020/21 season.

Coming to the end of his second year of the academy, the No9 played a leading role in the Ireland under-20s Grand Slam winning campaign. Named squad vice-captain, he started against France, Italy and England and scored two tries.

Most recently, the 20-year-old was named Munster academy player of the year before going on to make his Guinness PRO14 debut as a replacement against Connacht at Thomond Park.

Playing his club rugby with Shannon RFC, the promising young player continues to follow in the footsteps of his uncle, former Munster back Mossy Lawler, while his father Gerry is a rugby development officer with the province.

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TI 20 minutes ago
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy | Autumn Nations Series

Rieko took literally years to turn from a defensive liability at 13 into a guy, who’s defensively sound as it befits the position. And it all came at the cost of him being much less of an offensive threat, than what he used to be. Proctor is a natural 13, he handles, passes, and kicks way better than Rieko ever will, he just isn’t as fast.


It’s unfair to judge Tupaea on the handful of games he’s had in 2022 before he got nearly crippled by a Wallaby lock. What could Tupaea/Proctor pairing be, if they got the same amount of chances as Jordie/Rieko?


Because no matter how you spin it, playing a player outside of his natural position is a poor asset management. No matter how talented he is, he still competes against players who had years and years of practice at the position. And if said guy is so talented that he actually CAN compete against specialists, imagine how much better still he could have been, if he had all those years to iron the toothing issues at the position. It just drives me mad.


Two things I hate in rugby union beyond description: aping after league, and playing players outside of their natural position. Especially considering, that they all admit they hate it, when they’re allowed to speak freely. Owen Farrell spent 80% of his international career at 12, saying every time when asked, that he is a 10 and prefers to play at 10. Those players are literally held at a gunpoint: play out of position, or no national jersey for you.

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Hellhound 1 hour ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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