There's been yet another blow to Munster with the news that backrower Paddy Butler will be leaving the province. Butler is rumoured to be joining Sean Dougall in moving to Pau.
Pau's Irish connections seem to be growing with James Coughlan and ex-Munster backs coach Simon Mannix involved, while another rumoured Munster target Conrad Smith seems set to join the ex-Munster contigent.
The departures of Dougall and Butler will likely mean increased roles for academy products Jack O'Donoghue and Ryan Murphy who have starred for Ireland U20s within the last two years.
Butler had a similar impact with the Ireland U20s in 2010, and has gone on to win 56 Munster caps. The backrow competition in Munster is fierce with Robin Copeland, Peter O'Mahony, and CJ Stander in the ranks.
Meanwhile, it's confirmed that Munster have missed out on Rob Horne with confirmation that the Waratahs winger has signed an extension with ARU.
