Manning Re-Signs, Wyatt Joins Munster

Far from resting on their laurels after winning through to their third Heineken Cup final, Munster have announced that Jeremy Manning has re-signed and Welsh lock Chris Wyatt is to join the province.

…Munster’s young New Zealand-born out-half Jeremy Manning…

Far from resting on their laurels after winning through to their third Heineken Cup final, Munster have announced that Jeremy Manning has re-signed and Welsh lock Chris Wyatt is to join the province.

Manning, a student at UCC, has agreed terms that will keep him at Munster for the next two seasons. Currently on a development contract, the 20-year-old will become eligible to play for Ireland before the start of the 2007/08 season.

Commenting on his decision to commit to the men in red, Manning said: “I’ve really settled in well here and I’m enjoying my time with Munster, enjoying the rugby and the set-up here. I didn’t want to leave – it’s a very exciting time to be involved and I am looking forward to the coming weeks and the next couple of years.”

Manning has played six times in the Celtic League this season, scoring 27 points – 7 penalties and 3 conversions. He also made his Heineken Cup debut as a replacement against Castres Olympique in October, kicking a penalty. He also came off the bench in subsequent Europeans games against the Dragons, Castres and Perpignan.

…Chris Wyatt in action for Llanelli against his future team mate Denis Leamy in 2003…

The 30-year-old Wyatt – who stands at 6ft 5in (112kg) and has also played in the back row – joins Munster after 10 years’ serice with Llanelli Scarlets. After making his international debut against Zimbabwe in June 1998, he went on to accumulate 38 international caps for Wales that included two World Cup campaigns.

Speaking of Wyatt’s arrival and Manning’s contract extension, Munster coach Declan Kidney said: “It’s great that a player of Chris Wyatt’s stature is joining our squad. I think he’ll be an invaluable presence particularly when our international contingent are away on national squad duty. Besides that, his experience can only be beneficial in nurturing emerging talent such as Donnacha Ryan (Shannon) and Shane O’Connor (Cork Constitution).

“I’m obviously delighted Jeremy has agreed to continue on here with Munster. He has done really well in the short time he has been here and I look forward to working with him over the coming seasons.”