Connacht wing Diarmuid Kilgallen to join Munster

Munster have confirmed the signing of winger Diarmuid Kilgallen from neighbours Connacht for next season.

The 23-year-old will link up with Graham Rowntree's side on a two-year contract this summer.

The signing boosts Munster's back-three options, with the URC champions losing both Andrew Conway and Keith Earls to retirement since the World Cup, while they've also had to deal with a long-term injury for full-back Mike Haley.

Kildare native Kilgallen has been a consistent performer for Connacht since making his debut against Munster in August 2020 at the age of 20, scoring 12 tries in 22 appearances.

Five of those tries have come in just six games this season, although he hasn't played since mid-December due to a hamstring injury.

In addition to confirming Kilgallen's signing, Munster have also announced a contract extension for hooker Eoghan Clarke (below).

The 25-year-old, who joined on a short-term deal earlier this season after his former club Jersey Reds entered liquidation, has impressed in his five appearances to date and has agreed an extension until the end of next season.

Meanwhile, tighthead prop Keynan Knox has left the province after failing to make an impression on the first team.

The South African, who joined Munster in 2017 and came through their academy, played 33 times for the senior team since making his debut in September 2019.

The 24-year-old's last appearance for the province came in the URC Round 17 meeting with the Stormers in Cape Town in April 2023, while he has been a regular feature for Young Munster in the Energia All-Ireland League during his time in Ireland.

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