JJ Hanrahan Leaves Munster
It's been confirmed that JJ Hanrahan has signed a contract with Northampton and will Hanrahan leaves Munster at the end of the season. In a move that will upset Munster fans, Munster will be left short at outhalf and inside centre, leaving just Ian Keatley, incoming Tyler Bleyendaal and Ivan Dineen in the squad covering the positions.
Player news - @JjHanrahan will depart Munster at end of season to join @SaintsRugby Full update on website in next few minutes.
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) January 7, 2015
It appears that Munster didn't show enough intent to keep the highly talented Kerry youngster. Despite increasing their contract renewal offer to the Currow native, and increasing his playing time in both the outhalf and inside centre positions, Northampton appear to have beaten off Munster and Stade Francais's advances to secure his services.
Much has been expected of Hanrahan since his star turn for the Ireland U20s in the Junior World Cup campaign in 2012, which saw them surprise hosts South Africa with a huge win. That team also featured the likes of Irish internationals Kieran Marmion, Iain Henderson and Stuart Olding. Hanrahan was the star of that team and earned a nomination for the best player in the tournament. He has never really got an opportunity to impress with Munster, producing flashes of his undoubted potential memorably in his last minute try against Perpignan last season.
The former IRB Junior World Player of the year nominee Hanrahan leaves Munster and will now move to the Aviva Premiership and will compete for a place in the Northampton team with the likes of English international Stephen Myler, and Harry Mallinder, son of Northampton's Director Of Rugby Jim Mallinder.
This might hinder his immediate chances for an international future, but if he follows the path of Mike Ross and Robin Copeland who developed outside of Ireland before returning, it's hard to see how this isn't the best move for Hanrahan's development.
