MUNSTER fans will have one more chance to see Denis Fogarty in the famous red shirt this week. Munster’s British & Irish Cup final on Friday will likely be the last time Fogarty takes the field for his home province.
The Tipperary born hooker leaves at the end of the season to take up a two year contract with the French Pro D2 side Aurillac, who are coached by former Ireland international Jeremy Davidson.
“Given how my last two seasons have gone, I decided to head away and pursue something new. Trying to keep three very good hookers happy was always going to be tough, so I have decided to look to France for some experience. I have always wanted to play in France, so when this opportunity came my way, I took it. I had been offered another two years here with Munster, but I decided to go to Aurillac and hopefully manage to get into the Top14 in a season or two. That is my plan”.
Educated at Rockwell College, where he gained Irish Schoolboy international honours, Denis came into the Munster squad shortly after appearing in the 2004 U/21 World Cup Final and made his senior debut off the bench against The Borders in Musgrave Park in November 2004.
“In the last few years I had a shoulder injury and then I never really managed to get back into the side. I feel like I am still coming back from that injury as I have not being playing. I started to get frustrated and so I looked to move on and get back playing and hopefully get back to my best”.
Located two hours north of Toulouse, Aurillac is a rural area in France which is known for it’s love of rugby. Fogarty is looking forward to the new environment.
“My girlfriend Sarah Foley is coming with me, so that will make things a little easier. There are a few English speaking players there too, so that can only help. I went over four weeks ago for a weekend to see what they are about and I was immediately impressed. The weather alone was a selling point.”
Fogarty’s first start came against Connacht in Thomond Park in December 2005 and he ended that season with a Heineken Cup winners medal.
Since then Fogarty has added a second Heineken Cup winners medal, a Churchill Cup and three Magners League title medals. The eight timed Ireland ‘A’ international played his 90th senior game for Munster against Aironi in Parma last month.
Fogarty, well known for his sense of humour and ability to make others laugh will be missed by all in the Munster camp. The hooker has not ruled out a return some day. “I’ll never say never, because my eight years here has been so good, but I want to play in the Top14 and that is my goal for the next two seasons”
