IRELAND COACH Declan Kidney may have anointed Keith Earls as heir apparent to the Irish number 13 jersey but Munster coach Tony McGahan has other plans. The signing of Casey Laulala (29) on a two-year deal was confirmed yesterday.
The former All Black is expected to form a new centre pairing with James Downey next season, as the former Belvedere College player also arrives in Munster from Northampton this summer.
“The club is obviously delighted we’ve managed to secure the services of a player of his undoubted calibre for the next two seasons,” said McGahan. “I believe it shows the ambition that Munster Rugby harbours for the years ahead and I think it speaks volumes that a high-quality player such as Casey chooses to come to Munster ahead of a very impressive chasing pack.
“We’re only too well aware of his rugby capabilities having come up against him first hand for the past number of seasons and believe he will not only have a strong contribution on-field but also act as a mentor to the emerging back talent we have in our squad.”
In 58 appearances for Cardiff, Laulala has scored 14 tries. He lines up against Connacht in tonight’s RaboDirect Pro 12 fixture at Cardiff Arms Park.
