MUNSTER HAVE SIGNED New Zealand centre Casey Laulala from the Cardiff Blues on a two-year contract.
Laulala will move to Thomond Park at the end of this season, adding further depth to the midfield ranks strengthened by the signing of James Downey from Northampton last week.
Laulala, 29, has only made two full test appearances for the All Blacks, but enjoyed five seasons of Super Rugby with Crusaders before moving to Cardiff in 2009, where he has run in 14 tries in 58 appearances to date.
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A delighted Tony McGahan welcomed his new signing tonight, saying that “it shows the ambition that Munster Rugby harbors for the years ahead and I think it speaks volumes that a high quality player such as Casey chooses to come to Munster ahead of a very impressive chasing pack.”
We’re only too well aware of his rugby capabilities having come up against him first hand for the past number of seasons and believe he will not only have a strong contribution on-field but also act as a mentor to the emerging back talent we have in our squad.
Laulala, who starts for Cardiff against Connacht tomorrow night in the RaboDirect Pro12, thanked the club and fans for their support during his three seasons with the Blues.
“I guess this is a fresh challenge for me, it’s something new and hopefully the Munster welcome will be as warm as the one I experienced here in Cardiff,” Laulala said. ”Munster are a very successful team so I’m looking forward to joining them and experiencing life in Ireland.”
Better off red: Munster snap up former All Black Laulala
MUNSTER HAVE SIGNED New Zealand centre Casey Laulala from the Cardiff Blues on a two-year contract.
Laulala will move to Thomond Park at the end of this season, adding further depth to the midfield ranks strengthened by the signing of James Downey from Northampton last week.
Laulala, 29, has only made two full test appearances for the All Blacks, but enjoyed five seasons of Super Rugby with Crusaders before moving to Cardiff in 2009, where he has run in 14 tries in 58 appearances to date.
A delighted Tony McGahan welcomed his new signing tonight, saying that “it shows the ambition that Munster Rugby harbors for the years ahead and I think it speaks volumes that a high quality player such as Casey chooses to come to Munster ahead of a very impressive chasing pack.”
Laulala, who starts for Cardiff against Connacht tomorrow night in the RaboDirect Pro12, thanked the club and fans for their support during his three seasons with the Blues.
“I guess this is a fresh challenge for me, it’s something new and hopefully the Munster welcome will be as warm as the one I experienced here in Cardiff,” Laulala said. ”Munster are a very successful team so I’m looking forward to joining them and experiencing life in Ireland.”
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All Blacks Casey Laulala Crusaders Rugby Munster New kid on the block New Zealand Cardiff Blues Tony McGahan