He pinpointed a particular pride he’ll take with him from his stint at the province

MUNSTER have announced that Rory Scannell is to depart the club after over 200 appearances in 12 seasons with the Reds.

The 31-year-old’s looming exit is the latest in a long line of veterans leaving for one reason or another.

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His final outing came in Saturday’s URC play-off exit at the hands of Hollywoodbets Sharks in Durban

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Being consoled by his brother Niall after the Reds came up just short after an epic 100-minute battle

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The centre earned the first of his three senior Ireland caps in 2017

Former captain Peter O’Mahony as well as Stephen Archer are retiring meanwhile Conor Murray is seeking pastures new with an as of yet unidentified foreign side.

This afternoon Munster issued a statement hailing the 31-year-old for his contributions over the years.

It read: “A Munster man through and through. Rory Scannell will depart the province this summer after 12 years, 200 appearances & 3 Ireland caps.

“Very few players have contributed as much as he has over the past 12 years both on and off the field. Thank you Rory.”

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The man himself highlighted the particular pride he felt at having soldiered alongside his brother Niall.

He emphasized: “It’s a huge honour to have played for my home club 200 times, particularly alongside my brother.

“It’s been a rollercoaster of ups and downs over the last 12 years, but I have made so many great memories that will live with me forever.

“I’ve met some great people here and made friends for life.

“The squad is in a great place and I just want to wish the club very best of luck going forward and I will be supporting them wherever I am.”

Head of Rugby Operations and Interim Head Coach Ian Costello added: “Everyone in the province couldn’t speak highly enough of Rory as a player and a person.

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“Very few players have contributed as much as he has to Munster Rugby over the past 12 years both on and off the field.

“He is the youngest ever player to reach 100 caps for Munster and was a key member of our leadership group.

“He is the ultimate team player and an excellent team-mate, always putting the club before himself.

“An extremely popular member of the squad, he will be sorely missed and we wish him and his wife Aisling the very best for the future.”

The centre’s last outing was in Saturday’s contentious URC penalty shoot-out play-off defeat in South Africa.

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