Munster face a battle to keep hold of Simon Zebo

Simon Zebo's future is being decided at this very moment.

The Munster wing is contemplating a move to Pau and the Top14, where he could link up with former Munster coach Simon Mannix and ex-Reds team-mates Paddy Butler, Sean Dougall and James Coughlan. Zebo, who speaks fluent French, is attracting the attention of other clubs in France - with the champions Stade Francais another rumoured to be eyeing up the 25 year old. With some outlets reporting a deal is already done, Munster head coach Anthony Foley insisted the province are currently in negotiations to hold on to the Irish international. "That is all being done in the background," said Foley. "I don't have any news on that at the moment. It's progressing." With Keith Earls and Conor Murray also out of contract this season, Munster fans will be hoping Foley and CEO Garrett Fitzgerald can get business done sooner rather than later. To that end, securing the services of stand-in captain CJ Stander was a big boost. https://twitter.com/CJStander/status/671745821491220480

“It is great. It’s a sign of the man, he has come over here lock, stock and barrel and put everything in for us. He has progressed very well over the past couple of seasons and he has really put a mark in Irish rugby at the moment,” said Foley of the South African who is now eligible to play for Ireland through the residency rule.

“For him to commit to Munster rugby for two more seasons after this is good for everyone concerned. It’s a good boost for everyone involved in Munster that one of our best players is staying. I think it is something that lays down a marker for everyone else.”

The trick now is to hold on to Zebo.