The inevitability of Damian De Allende’s departure from Munster just got that bit more real as he was linked with a move to Bath. Were he to move he would be following Munster coaches Johann Van Graan and JP Ferreira to the Rec.
SA Rugby Magazine described it as a ‘shock move’, which is hyperbolic to say the least given that he likely to leave Munster and it was Van Graan who brought him to Ireland initially. It makes sense that he would follow a coach who he clearly respects and trusts.
The Rugby Paper first reported the news two days ago, stating that Van Graan was looking to take his prized centre with him to England.
This follows on from reports two weeks ago that De Allende would be leaving Munster to join a Japanese side, either the Kintetsu Liners or Saitama Wild Knights.
We also reported a number of weeks ago on Munster’s links to Wasps and All Blacks centre Malakai Fekitoa. However, nothing more has come of that story since.
Munster’s attack coach Stephen Larkham, who is also leaving the province at the end of season, gave his view to RTE last week on the likely departure of De Allende.
“Look, it would be understandable. Players move around all the time.
“Yeah, disappointing. He’s been great for us. I’m not sure what your opinion of him is but he’s been great within the squad, within the organisation and then obviously his performances on the field have been tremendous as well. So yeah, he would be a loss, no doubt.
“We certainly haven’t secured our full roster for next year and that’s a process is always going throughout the 12 months of the year. There’s always contract negotiations and top-ups and those discussions happening. So it’s no different at the moment.
“We’re kind of in the heat of it at the moment, just trying to get a number of guys signed. So we’ll have to wait and see.”
It is mildly amusing to hear these words from Larkham given that he will be on the other side of the world in Australia when De Allende does leave Munster.
In recent weeks, homegrown Munster centre Rory Scannell has been putting in strong performances, that will certainly ease pressure on securing a top quality replacement for De Allende.
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