Munster have confirmed that Simon Zebo will return to Thomond Park next season.
The 31-year-old will leave Racing 92 after three seasons in the Top 14. He has signed a one-year deal with Munster.
Zebo's contract will be co-funded by the IRFU. Munster head coach Johann van Graan said that Zebo's willingness to take less money than he could have got elsewhere facilitated the deal.
"The opportunity to bring Simon back to Munster came about in early April following a final review of our squad’s budgetary position for season-end and with assistance from the IRFU to support what we believe is a really good deal for Munster and Irish Rugby," said Van Graan.
"Simon’s desire to return to Ireland and play with his home club is illustrated by his willingness to sign at a level below his market value elsewhere. This has made bringing the province’s all-time leading try-scorer back home, possible."
Zebo added that the chance to play again for Munster and possibly Ireland was too good to turn down.
"I am thrilled and honoured to be coming back home to play for Munster," said Zebo.
"My family and I have been so lucky to have enjoyed three incredible years with Racing 92 in Paris and I cannot thank the team there enough, I really have made friends for life and take with me some brilliant memories.
"However, as everyone knows, Munster holds a very special place in my heart and I’ve always said that I wanted to play for them and potentially Ireland again, so when this opportunity arose the lure of being close to home, family and friends and Munster fans, it outweighed all other options. I cannot wait to get back to the HPC with the team and hopefully a packed Thomond Park."
Photo by Diarmuid Greene/Sportsfile
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