Chris Farrell released from Munster to “pursue new playing opportunity”

Munster have already confirmed the signing of New Zealand centre Alex Nankivell for the 2023/24 season.

Munster Rugby and the IRFU have confirmed that Chris Farrell has been released from the province to pursue a new playing opportunity.

The 29-year-old has made 71 Munster appearances, scoring nine tries, since making his debut against Benetton in September 2017 and has represented Ireland on 15 occasions.

Farrell joined Munster from Grenoble but hasn’t been considered for selection in recent months due to legal proceedings in France.

The centre last featured for Munster in September against Ulster with Munster releasing the following statement the week after;

“Munster Rugby and Chris Farrell have agreed that, with immediate effect, he will be stepping back from his involvement with the Munster squad whilst legal proceedings in France, concerning his alleged involvement as a witness to an alleged crime in 2017, are on-going.”

Head Coach Graham Rowntree said,

“We wish Chris and his family all the best with his move and thank him for everything he has done during his time with us.”

In his absence, Antoine Frisch has made himself first choice outside centre, with Malakai Fekitoa failing to make the desired impression as he will leave the province at the season’s end.

Munster have already confirmed the signing of New Zealand centre Alex Nankivell for the 2023/24 season.