MUNSTER HAVE REVEALED that hooker Denis Fogarty turned down the offer of a new contract at Thomond Park in favour of a move to France.
The 28-year-old from Cashel, Co Tipperary will likely don the famous red jersey for the final time in Friday night’s British and Irish Cup Final after agreeing a two-year deal with Pro Div 2 side Aurillac.
Fogarty made his Munster debut in November 2004 and went on to make 90 senior appearances for the province, collecting two Heineken Cup medals and three Magners League titles in that time.
He will link up next season with former Ireland international Jeremy Davidson who is currently Aurillac’s head coach.
“You dont leave a squad like Munster without giving it a great deal of thought,” Fogarty conceded (see MunsterRugby). “It’s been a huge part of my life and I’ve really enjoyed my time here. I’ve learnt a lot and made lifelong friends who I will miss.
The opportunity was there for me to remain but I feel the time is right for me to look for a new challenge. I’m grateful to Jeremy Davidson for providing me with that challenge and its one I’m looking forward to.
Pack colleague Donncha O’Callaghan also paid tribute to Fogarty as a player who is “Munster to the core” and whose departure will be keenly felt.
He’s “an incredible character who brings so much to the squad both on and off the field,” O’Callaghan said. “He’ll be sorely missed, maybe much more than some people might imagine right now. But he goes with the best wish of everyone in the squad.”
Munster “A” take on Cross Keys in the British & Irish Cup Final this Friday, 27 April.
