Keatley To Move To London Irish
Munster and Ireland out-half Ian Keatley will link up with London Irish before his permanent move to Benetton Rugby in the summer ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Munster Rugby have confirm that Ian Keatley has completed his time with the province, joining Declan Kidney’s London Irish for the remainder of the season.
The news comes after the recent announcement that Keatley will join Benetton Rugby at the end of the season. The 31-year-old out-half joined Munster ahead of the 2011/12 campaign and has been an integral member of the squad over the past eight years, playing a pivotal role in Munster’s successes.
Having scored 1247 points in his 180 Munster appearances, Keatley is second on the list of the province’s all-time top points scorers, and joint-second in the current squad for appearances made in red.
Capped seven times by Ireland, he is third on the list of all-time top points scorers in GUINNESS PRO14 (1428 points) and fifth on the list of most games played (196 matches). Commenting on his departure, Keatley said:
I just want to say a big thank you to everyone for their support and messages since announcing my move to Treviso, it has been overwhelming hearing from you all. I want to say thanks for all the support me and my family have received over the years, I know my parents and family will miss coming down here.
“I’m never going to forget the terrific support I got on days in Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, especially those big European occasions in Limerick which are really special days, and I have fantastic memories for life.
“I’ve experienced great highs and some low lows over my career, with the highs far outweighing the lows, but the support following Axel’s passing is what sums up Munster for me. It’s for that I’m really going to miss this place, it has been special, and it has been true.
“I know I’m from Dublin, but I’ve lived here for the last eight years, and with my fiancée Lisa and daughter Beth born here, I know we will be back again. I’m from Munster and I’m a Limerick man now, and it holds a special place in my heart.
“I’ve this opportunity now to go and get some game-time before the end of the season and I’m excited about going out playing rugby again. Thanks again for your support throughout the years.”