Damian De Allende to leave Munster but rules out Bath move

Damien de Allende has confirmed he will leave Munster at the end of the season, with his next club set to be outside Europe.

The 30-year-old South African has been a big hit since joining in the summer of 2020, making 31 appearances to date and scoring three tries.

Confirmation of his departure had been expected, with the province previously announcing the signing of former All Black centre Malakai Fekitoa as their non-Irish qualified midfielder for next season.

De Allende could not reveal his next destination, with the Springbok World Cup winner expected to be returning to Japan, having joined Munster from Saitama Wild Knights.

However, he has categorically ruled out following his Munster coach Johann van Graan to Bath, adding he has never been in contact with the Premiership club.

"I'm not staying, but it hasn't been confirmed where I'm going," he said, ahead of this Saturday's meeting with Leinster in the United Rugby Championship (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player).

"I'm not staying in Europe, so I'm definitely not going to Bath, I haven't spoken to anyone at Bath.

"I will not be staying in Europe as of the end of the season, which is unfortunate, but I'm looking forward to ending the season on a high, I really want to leave Munster with great memories I've made already, but some silverware as well."

De Allende's second season at the province has been hampered by unavailability, missing the early stages of the season due to Rugby Championship commitments with South Africa, before an abdominal injury in January saw sidelined for 10 weeks.

However, he returned from injury on the recent tour of South Africa, and has looked in fine form, scoring two tries in his last three games.

Barring injury, he's almost certain to start against the