CONFIRMED: De Allende to leave Munster

NEWS: Springbok star Damian de Allende confirmed that he will be leaving Munster at the end of the current season.

The 30-year-old, who has been with Munster since 2020, will be "joining a club outside of Europe".

Speaking to the Irish media on Tuesday, De Allende confirmed that he would not be following Johann van Graan, the former Springboks assistant, to Bath when the current Munster head coach switches to the Premiership for next season.

Having played in Japan prior to joining Munster in 2020, De Allende has been linked with a return to the Top League. There has also been speculation that he could return to South Africa.

"I'm not staying, but it hasn't been confirmed where I'm going," said De Allende.

"I'm definitely not going to Bath. I haven't spoken to anyone at Bath.

"I will not be staying in Europe as of the end of the season, which is unfortunate, but I'm looking forward to ending the season on a high.

"But I really want to leave Munster with great memories I've made already, but some silverware as well."

A veteran of seven Super Rugby campaigns with the Stormers, De Allende played for the Panasonic Wildcats after he decided to stay on in Japan following the 2019 World Cup.

He is now nearing his second – and last – season at Munster and very much remains part of the Springboks’ plans as they look to successfully defend their World Cup title at the next finals in France next year.

De Allende has played 31 times with Munster and is preparing for their URC derby this Saturday in Limerick versus Leinster before their two-legged round of 16 Champions Cup showdown with Exeter.

Source: Irish Mirror and RugbyPass