LAST UPDATE | 4 Jan 2023

MUNSTER HAVE CONFIRMED that Ben Healy will sign with Edinburgh at the end of the season.

In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon, the southern province confirmed that they had offered Healy a new contract and “made every effort to retain the services of the talented out-half”, while head coach Graham Rowntree admitted that his impending departure was “tough to take.”

Healy has ultimately decided to cross the Irish Sea in pursuit of more regular starts and, crucially, a chance to play international rugby.

The 23-year-old qualifies to play for Scotland through his maternal grandparents and has for several years been the subject of heavy interest from the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU).

Healy rebuffed an approach from Glasgow Warriors during the 2020/21 season to remain with his native province but has recently found game-time with Munster more difficult to come by, with Joey Carbery still considered the frontline starter at out-half and Jack Crowley having edged ahead of his fellow youngster in the pecking order.

Healy came off the bench to score the final 10 points of the game — including a last-minute try and conversion — as Munster earned a dramatic comeback victory over Ulster at Kingspan Stadium in Sunday’s URC interpro, but he explained on Wednesday that a move to Edinburgh offered “the best opportunity to fulfil my professional goals.”

Munster Rugby and the IRFU can confirm that Ben Healy will depart the province for Edinburgh at the end of the season.

The province offered the 23-year-old an extended contract and made every effort to retain the services of the talented out-half.

Full details ⤵️#SUAF 🔴

— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) January 4, 2023

“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,” Healy said.

“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.

Munster head coach Rowntree added: “We are hugely disappointed to see Ben depart at the end of the season.

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.

🏰✍️ 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫!

Scottish qualified stand-off Ben Healy will join the club from @Munsterrugby on a two-year deal ahead of the 2023/24 season. 👊 pic.twitter.com/GYZMEpdlvh

— Edinburgh Rugby (@EdinburghRugby) January 4, 2023

Edinburgh, who went public on their interest in Healy on Tuesday, confirmed that the former Munster Schools Senior Cup winner with Glenstal has signed with them on a two-year deal.

The Scottish capital club’s head coach Mike Blair said of his soon-to-be recruit: “We’re absolutely delighted to secure Ben’s signature. 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% 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.”

Healy incidentally made his Munster debut against Edinburgh in November 2019, scoring 11 points in an 18-16 defeat.

He has made 47 appearances for his native province to date, scoring 275 points.

𝐁𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

💬 "I understand it for him, he can go there and play every week."@bernardjackman on Ben Healy reportedly making the switch to Scotland. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

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— The42.ie (@The42_ie) January 3, 2023

- Updated with confirmation of the move by Munster and Edinburgh at 13:24

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