Hickey For London Irish

Eoghan Hickey will leave Munster at the end of the season and take up a two year contract with London Irish.

The 25 year old joined Munster on a one year contract from Leinster and has represented Ireland at schoolboy, Under 21 and A levels, including last year’s Churchill Cup tournament.

“Eoghan is a talented athlete with excellent all round skills, I’m sure he’ll have a great impact at the Club,” said Brian Smith, London Irish Director of Rugby.  “He is a prodigious kicker off both feet and can play anywhere in the backline.  He’s been in terrific form for Munster and we’re delighted he decided to join London Irish”

Commenting on his decision to join London Irish Hickey said: “My move to England involves a lifestyle change and the challenge of playing in the Guinness Premiership.  From what I’ve seen that demands a continuity of top class performance week in, week out and it will be good to be involved. London Irish plays the style of rugby that I enjoy; I’m looking forward to doing so in front of the club’s exceptional supporters.”

Meanwhile Declan Kidney has named an extended squad for the Magners League clash with Llanelli (Musgrave Park Saturday). Paul O’Connell and Shaun Payne are still sidelined but the only other notables missing are Peter Stringer, David Wallace and Alan Quinlan.

Munster squad (v Llanelli Scarlets).
C Cullen, D Hurley, M Lawlor, J Kelly, A Horgan, T Halstead, B Murphy, L Mafi, B Carney, I Dowling, T O’Leary, B O’Meara, R O’Gara, J Manning.
M Horan, F Pucciariello, T Buckley, J Hayes, F Sheahan, J Flannery, D O’Callaghan, M O’Driscoll, C Wyatt, D Ryan, A Foley, J O’Sullivan, J Coughlan, D Leamy,