Munster confirm five more players are leaving after URC final

URC finalists Munster have revealed their full list of end-of-season leavers, with five more names added to the group that already included Malakai Fekitoa and Ben Healy. The Irish province take on the Stormers this Saturday in their league decider in Cape Town and their travel day to South Africa has coincided with confirmation of all the names of the players who won’t be with them for the 2023/24 season.

A statement read: “Munster Rugby can confirm the full list of players who will depart the province at the end of the 2022/23 campaign. It was confirmed earlier this season that Malakai Fekitoa (Benetton) and Ben Healy (Edinburgh) will join new clubs ahead of the 2023/24 season.

“Additionally, we can confirm that Liam O’Connor, Eoin O’Connor, Paddy Kelly, Oli Morris and academy player Conor Phillips have completed their time at the province. Prop Liam O’Connor has been advised to retire on medical grounds following successful surgery for a recent neck injury. Lock Eoin O’Connor will move abroad for a new playing opportunity.

“Lock Paddy Kelly has retired from professional rugby on medical grounds due to a concussion sustained earlier in the season. Paddy has received specialist medical care since the concussion and despite all efforts, the decision to retire was made in the best interests of his long-term health.

“Centre Oli Morris departs after joining Munster in October when Worcester Warriors went into administration.

"Winger Phillips departs after three years in the academy that included two senior appearances. A former Crescent College student, he is also an Ireland 7s international and plays his club rugby with Young Munster.

“Chris Farrell, James French and Dan Goggin all departed for new playing opportunities earlier this season. A big thanks to all of our departing players for their contributions to Munster Rugby and we wish them all the best for the future.”