The last surviving member of the 2006 Heineken Cup triumph is set to leave Munster after seventeen years. Donncha O'Callaghan is reportedly set to join the Worcester Warriors in the Premiership in the coming days. At 36 years of age, he is heading abroad to prolong his professional career for a couple of seasons. The coach at Worcester Dean Ryan has already selected him for the Barbarians last year.
Last year, he was asked about his long devotion to Munster and gave a touching response which is the antidote to cynicism.
Munster is all I ever wanted. Playing in front of my family and friends for a team I love and that's the only way I can describe my feelings for Munster. I love it.
Granted, I understand you have to make an income and stuff like that but it means a little bit more for me. It's brilliant that I can put bread on the table for my family but I think I'd want to tog out for Munster regardless. It's not a great negotiating tool but I don't ever want to go anywhere else. I'm a Munster man, it means everything to me to play there.
But I think it's important that you keep the traditions, like I grew up wanting to play for Munster and Ireland and I think maybe you could be motivated by money but it's not my thing. I want to play well for us and I think it makes me a better player. I can stretch beyond myself when I play for Munster.
