Contract talks overshadow trip to Perpignan

Munster Rugby Squad Training - Wednesday 23rd OctoberMUNSTER’S preparation for this weekend’s Heineken Cup Pool 6 game against Perpignan, (kick off at 3.40pm, Saturday 14) have been overshadowed this week by talks of contract renewals and a new signing.
Conor Murray followed the likes of Simon Zebo, Peter O’Mahony and Tommy O’Donnell by announcing that he will remain at Munster for another two seasons. The news that the Lions number nine will remain in Limerick came on the same day as the Munster Rugby powers that be announced the signing of Cardiff utility forward Robin Copeland.
The Wexford born, for St Mary’s of Dublin player, will join Munster from the Blues in the summer.
This week however, has also seen some uncertainty on the contract front. With Donnacha Ryan, Johne Murphy and Keith Earls, to name but a few, still deep in contractual negotiations with Munster Rugby and the IRFU, the news that Ireland captain Paul O’Connell has yet to put pen to paper is a worry for all rugby fans.
When asked this week if O’Connell would follow Conor Murray in signing a new two year deal with the IRFU, the former Munster captain replied, “Hopefully. I am trying to figure out my future at the moment. It is kind of delicate so it is not something I really want to discuss. I am delighted with the news that Conor has signed with us. He is a great player. A big player for us. He is a very modest and quiet fella.”
O’Connell, 34 since October, does however see himself remaining on the playing field until at least the 2015/16 season.
“I would probably like to play up to the next World Cup and that season as well. I would see where I am after that. If the body is in good shape, I would like to keep going after that. It all depends. I enjoy it more than ever. I enjoy the training more than ever. Which is probably one of the most important thing in guys I have seen who have come to retirement.
“They enjoy the matches and the big days, but they are not necessarily enjoying the training or the preparation which goes into it and that is one of the parts of the game that I enjoy more than ever.
“I am always trying to improve. It isn’t easy in some ways. In rugby you have so many things to prepare for. With scrums, line outs, defence and attack that individually you don’t get time to work on what you would like. Trying to figure all that out is the really enjoyable part of the game. So as I said, I would hopefully like to play that season up to and after the World Cup in 2015. I will see after that.”
Head coach Rob Penney, who is also in contract talks with Munster, added that he did not find it hard to deal with new contracts, even though he is unclear on his own future.
“No [it’s not a problem], because you just buy into the organisation. You just watch the lads and you want the best for the organisation, the best team that you can be – whoever’s coaching here – for this group to kick on. So, no, it’s not even an issue as far as I’m concerned,” Penney commented
In other rugby news, the countdown is on for Munster U19s’ clash with Australia Schools at Thomond Park on Tuesday, December 17 (kick off at 5pm).
To prepare for the game, the under 19 side have already played UL Bohemianss U/20 side in a warm up friendly. Tickets will be available on the gate. Pricing: €3 16 and under €5 Students and OAPs €7 Adult.
A chance to support the future.

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