MUNSTER WILL SAY goodbye to the last of their Heineken Cup winning XV from 2006, with the news that Donncha O’Callaghan is to leave the province.
O’Callaghan – who is still contracted to Munster until the end of the 2015/16 season – is departing the province after 17 years.
The42 understands that Munster’s squad were informed this morning that the 36-year-old is departing the province, after it was reported by the Irish Examiner this morning that the second row is close to agreeing a two-year deal with an overseas club.
O’Callaghan made his debut for Munster in August 1998 against Edinburgh, going on to win two Heineken Cup titles, as well a Six Nations Grand Slam with Ireland in 2009.
On top of his 94 Irish caps, he won four test caps for the British and Irish Lions on the 2005 and 2009 tours, captaining the 2009 side in their game against the Southern Kings.
The Corkman’s departure now means Munster’s Heineken Cup winning starting XV of 2006 have now all departed the province, after Paul O’Connell announced his move to Toulon during the summer.
Donnacha Ryan is now the longest serving member of the squad, making his debut in 2004, although his first appearance in the Heineken Cup didn’t come until 2007.
It’s expected Munster will confirm the news shortly.
