Munster confirm contract extensions for duo as another departs the province

Hurley will join the previously confirmed Patrick Campbell in progressing from the Academy to the senior squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Munster Rugby have confirmed that Cian Hurley will move up from the Greencore Munster Rugby Academy to the senior squad next season with Chris Moore extending his time at the province.

The province can also confirm that James French has departed for a new playing opportunity, and we wish the 24-year-old prop all the best with his move.

A product of Bandon RFC and Bandon Grammar, French joined the Academy in the summer of 2018 and made his Munster debut against Wasps in December 2021.

A former Ireland U20 international, French has been a member of the senior squad since 2021 and has lined out for UCC and Highfield in the All Ireland League.

On signing his new contract, Hurley will join the previously confirmed Patrick Campbell in progressing from the Academy to the senior squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

4 February 2022; Patrick Campbell of Ireland in action against Oli Andrew of Wales during the U20 Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Wales at Musgrave Park in Cork. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

22-year-old Hurley, who can play in the second row and the back row, advances on a one-year contract after three years in the Academy.

A product of Clonakilty RFC and CBC, Hurley made his senior debut at the age of 20 against Benetton in 2021. Paired with Tom Ahern (then 21) in the second row, they became the youngest starting second row combination for Munster Rugby in the professional era.

Hurley has made five senior appearances for Munster, including four so far this season, and plays his AIL rugby with Garryowen.

Hooker Chris Moore joined Munster from Exeter University last summer and has signed a one-year contract extension after adapting well to life in the professional game.

The 22-year-old from Trowbridge in England has been playing his AIL rugby with Young Munster this season and has previously lined out for the Ireland U18 Clubs.

A graduate of Beechen Cliff school in Bath, Moore was playing and studying at Exeter University prior to joining the province last summer.

Social Sharing

Posted in

Munster exit URC with Glasgow defeat at Thomond Park | HIGHLIGHTS

Munster gained their first try after RG Snyman set up an attack, passing to Jeremy Loughman who stormed ...
Read More

Munster Rugby issue squad update

Along with the 23 players who featured against Ospreys at Thomond Park on Friday night, there were 17 ...
Read More

Munster through to URC semi-final with Ospreys victory | HIGHLIGHTS

The hosts saw out the remainder of the game to secure a semi-final, fixed for next Saturday at ...
Read More

Munster all set for Ospreys clash | TEAM NEWS

Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell and Stephen Archer pack down in the front row with RG Snyman and captain ...
Read More

Munster Rugby issue squad update

Tom Ahern suffered an ankle/lower leg injury against Ulster and has undergone a scan, he is unavailable for ...
Read More

Munster top URC with bonus-point Ulster win | HIGHLIGHTS

The bonus-point win sees Munster secure first seed and Rowntree’s side will now take on Ospreys at Thomond ...
Read More

Munster name team to face Ulster | TEAM NEWS

Kendellen, Ahern and Coombes are set to continue their record of playing in every URC and Champions Cup ...
Read More

Munster Rugby issue squad update ahead of Ulster clash

Munster have won 12 of their 17 games so far, drawing one and losing four to sit top ...
Read More