Player Contract Update

Munster Rugby and the IRFU can confirm that Dave O’Callaghan, Brian Scott and Ciaran Parker are the latest trio to sign contract extensions, while it has also been confirmed that Robin Copeland will depart the province at the end of the season.

Dave O’Callaghan, who recently returned from a long-term knee injury, has signed a one-year contract extension that will see him remain with the province until at least June 2019.

The 28-year-old, a former Academy Player of the Year, has made 78 appearances for the province and plays across the back row and second row.

Prop Brian Scott will advance to a two-year full contract from the start of the 2018-19 season. The 24-year-old has played on 19 occasions and scored his first try on his first start against Zebre at Thomond Park last month.

Tighthead prop Ciaran Parker has extended his development contract for a further year. The 22-year-old has made two appearances since making the move from Sale Sharks at the start of the season.

Robin Copeland will finish with the province at the end of this season. The 30-year-old back row has made 62 appearances, scoring 11 tries, since his debut against Treviso in September 2014. In his time at Munster, he produced a man-of-the-match performance in the historic win against the Maori All Blacks in November 2016, and played an instrumental role in securing the British and Irish Cup with Munster A in 2017.

On the international front, Robin represented the Ireland Wolfhounds against England Saxons in January 2014 and later that year played in Emerging Ireland’s Nations Cup winning campaign in Romania where he was awarded Player of the Tournament.

The Wexford native went on to make his senior debut against Georgia in the Guinness Series that November.

Speaking about Copeland’s departure, Head Coach Johann van Graan said: “While it has been great to retain so many of our players this season, we respect Robin’s decision to move on.

“A physical and versatile player, we know he will continue to be successful, and everyone at Munster wishes Robin all the best for the future.”

Next home game

Guinness PRO14: Munster v Scarlets, Thomond Park, Sat 24 March, 5.30pm; Tickets available online, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park, or by calling 061 421103. Tickets from just €7 (Student & Junior) with Family packs (two adults and two children) available for just €40.