Connacht centre Tom Farrell to join Irish rivals Munster

Munster have confirmed the signing of Connacht centre Tom Farrell on a two-year deal ahead of next season, as reported by RugbyPass. 

The 30-year-old will fill the midfield void that is likely to be left by Antoine Frisch, who is expected to move to the Top 14 at the end of the season. The announcement has come just days after a stalwart of the Munster backline, Simon Zebo, also announced his retirement at the end of the season.

Connacht have already got a replacement for the former Ireland U20 international in place, having announced the signing of Irish-qualified Bristol Bears centre Piers O'Conor in April. 

Farrell has spent the last seven seasons at Connacht, after originally coming through the Leinster academy. He joined Connacht in 2017 following spells at London Irish and Bedford Blues in England, and has gone on to make 112 appearances for the province, including 33 over the past two seasons.

He will make the move southwards with some impressive stats to his name having finished last season with the most defenders beaten in the United Rugby Championship with 44. He was also in the top ten for offloads in the league.

His last appearance for Connacht came in a 47-12 loss to his future employers at Thomond Park on May 11.

Connacht face Leinster in the final match of the regular URC season, which is likely to be Farrell's final game for them, although they are mathematically still capable of making the play-offs. However, the tenth-place side would need other results to go their way.