MUNSTER Rugby have today confirmed the significant signing of record try-scorer Simon Zebo from Racing 92.
31 year-old Zebo signed for the Parisian giants in 2018 and scored two tries in last season’s Champions Cup final.
The fullback enjoyed an excellent three years in the French capital scoring 21 tries along the way, but has now decided to return to Thomond Park upon the completion of his current contract.
Zebo has ambitions of playing at the 2023 World Rugby and that proved central in his decision making. The contract sees the Corkman pen a one-year deal that will be co-funded by the IRFU.
Head Coach Johann van Graan said, “The opportunity to bring Simon back to Munster came about in early April following a final review of our squad’s budgetary position for season-end and with assistance from the IRFU to support what we believe is a really good deal for Munster and Irish Rugby.
“Simon’s desire to return to Ireland and play with his home club is illustrated by his willingness to sign at a level below his market value elsewhere. This has made bringing the province’s all-time leading try-scorer back home, possible.”
Simon Zebo said, “I am thrilled and honoured to be coming back home to play for Munster. My family and I have been so lucky to have enjoyed three incredible years with Racing 92 in Paris and I cannot thank the team there enough, I really have made friends for life and take with me some brilliant memories.
“However, as everyone knows, Munster holds a very special place in my heart and I’ve always said that I wanted to play for them and potentially Ireland again, so when this opportunity arose the lure of being close to home, family and friends and Munster fans, it outweighed all other options. I cannot wait to get back to the HPC with the team and hopefully a packed Thomond Park.”
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