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Rugby

19th Dec 2016

Munster No 10 could be on his way to the top 14 next summer, according to reports in France

Would this be a good move?

Sean McMahon

The Munster man hasn’t been as prominent this season.

Munster out-half, Ian Keatley, is being linked with a move to Top 14 side Bayonne at the end of the season.

The 29-year-old has only started four competitive games this season for the southern province and these all came in the Guinness Pro12.

The reason for Keatley’s lack of appearances this season is down to the fitness and form shown by Kiwi out-half, Tyler Bleyendaal.

The former U20 All Black has been excellent and has formed a promising half-back partnership with Ireland international, Conor Murray.

Midi Olympique is reporting that Bayonne will be looking for a new No 10 next season and that Keatley is one of their top targets in this regard.

Keatley’s contract expires in June 2017 and the Leinster Senior Cup winner will be assessing his options for next season, especially considering news that Kerry native, JJ Hanrahan, has held informal talks with Munster about a possible return to the club.

It is also important to note that Bleyendaal is also out of contract next summer.

Munster are likely to be anxious considering their two starting out-halves are both out of contract at the end of the season.

They will likely want to get their out-half situation figured out, sooner rather than later, especially when the inevitable offers from French clubs come in.

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