Munster lighten the mood by pinning Beirne to early contract decision

Munster have lightened the dour mood surrounding them this week by confirming that Tadhg Beirne has signed a two-year contract extension that will see him remain with the province until June 2022.

The Irish province were rocked on Tuesday by the revelation that assistant coaches Jerry Flannery and Felix Jones has spurned the offer of contract extensions and would instead be moving this summer.

However, they have now attempted to change the negative narrative by announcing that Ireland international Beirne, who joined Munster on a two-year deal last summer from Scarlets, has committed to the province for a further two years.

In starting 18 of his 20 appearances to date, the 27-year-old lock has also scored two tries. Recognised for his impressive workrate at the breakdown, he was man of the match awards at home and away against Exeter Chiefs in the Champions Cup, and against Leinster, Ospreys and Connacht in the Guinness PRO14.

The turnover king topped the charts in the Champions Cup with 15 turnovers and following committed performances in red, he was nominated for Munster player of the year by his fellow team-mates in April.

On the international stage, Beirne has five Ireland caps and made his Six Nations debut starting against Wales in March.

Further positive news for the province sees academy scrum-half Craig Casey advance to a development contract at the start of next season, moving to a full contract at the beginning of the 2020/21 season.

Coming to the end of his second year of the academy, the No9 played a leading role in the Ireland under-20s Grand Slam winning campaign. Named squad vice-captain, he started against France, Italy and England and scored two tries.

Most recently, the 20-year-old was named Munster academy player of the year before going on to make his Guinness PRO14 debut as a replacement against Connacht at Thomond Park.

Playing his club rugby with Shannon RFC, the promising young player continues to follow in the footsteps of his uncle, former Munster back Mossy Lawler, while his father Gerry is a rugby development officer with the province.

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