Ian Keatley has left Munster after nearly eight years at Thomond Park.
The 31-year-old, who is scheduled to join Benetton Treviso at the end of the season, has signed with London Irish for the remainder of the 2018/19 campaign.
Keatley will work under former Ireland and Munster head coach Declan Kidney at London Irish. Kidney is currently the club's Director of Rugby. Former Ireland defence coach Les Kiss is head coach with the club.
The out-half, who joined Munster from Connacht in 2011, scored 1,247 points in 180 appearances for the province.
"I want to say thanks for all the support me and my family have received over the years, I know my parents and family will miss coming down here," Keatley told the Munster Rugby website.
"I’m never going to forget the terrific support I got on days in Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, especially those big European occasions in Limerick which are really special days, and I have fantastic memories for life.
"I’ve experienced great highs and some low lows over my career, with the highs far outweighing the lows, but the support following Axel’s passing is what sums up Munster for me. It’s for that I’m really going to miss this place, it has been special, and it has been true.
"I know I’m from Dublin, but I’ve lived here for the last eight years, and with my fiancée Lisa and daughter Beth born here, I know we will be back again. I’m from Munster and I’m a Limerick man now, and it holds a special place in my heart.
"I’ve this opportunity now to go and get some game time before the end of the season and I’m excited about going out playing rugby again."
Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
