Back-Line Trio To Leave Munster
Scrum half Neil Cronin races through to score a try for Munster against Harlequins during February's friendly match at the Twickenham Stoop ©INPHO/Juan Gasparini
Munster Rugby have confirmed that Neil Cronin, Colm Hogan, and Andrew O’Mahony have completed their time at the province.
Scrum half Cronin scored two tries in 39 Munster appearances, since making his debut as a non-contracted player against Leinster in December 2014.
He signed his first contract in 2018 after a number of impressive seasons with Garryowen in the Energia All-Ireland League.
A strong start to his first season as a member of the senior squad saw ‘Neily’ score one try in 11 appearances, including a Champions Cup debut away to Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park.
He made a further eight appearances the following year, but a long-term knee injury saw him miss almost the entire 2020/21 season.
Cronin bounced back to make 10 appearances during the 2021/22 campaign, and over the last two seasons, the 31-year-old has featured in both wins against South Africa ‘A’ and Crusaders at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Back-three player Hogan departs after helping Munster to victories over Harlequins and Crusaders in February having joined on a short-term contract in November.
The 27-year-old has been starring for Garryowen in Division 1B of the Energia All-Ireland League since joining the province. He is a former Glenstal Abbey student.
He previously captained Dublin University in the All-Ireland League, had a spell with Colomiers in France’s Pro D2, and lined out for Tasman Mako in the NPC earlier this season.
Meanwhile, UCC scrum half O’Mahony departs having completed his two-month contract with the province.
A former CBC Cork student and Ireland Under-20, he featured for Munster ‘A’ against Connacht Eagles at the start of the season.