Waterford, Ireland / WLR
Mar 5, 2021 6:33 AM
Munster Rugby and the IRFU are pleased to confirm the latest player contract extensions and promotions to the senior squad for several Academy players.
The Munster trio of Mike Haley, Gavin Coombes and Neil Cronin have all signed two-year contract extensions that will see them remain with the province until at least June 2023.
There is further good news with Greencore Academy players Jake Flannery, James French, Seán French and Ben Healy all advancing to the senior squad ahead of the 2021/2022 season on one-year deals while John Hodnett has put pen to paper on a two-year deal.
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Munster head coach Johann van Graan has welcomed a "further boost" for the province as a host of players, including Ben Healy and Jake Flannery, signed new deals.
After weathering the storm, Munster made a rare foray into the Benetton 22 and after winning a penalty for another breakdown infringement, Healy took the three points on offer to extend the lead to four points.
Back came Benetton as second-rower Federico Ruzza broke from a ruck and flipped a pass to Callum Braley bearing down on the Munster line but the move was snuffed out as the Irish province got numbers back.
Benetton had a wonderful opportunity to take the lead for the first time 10 minutes from the end when a flipped pass found Tommaso Benvenuti in space on the left but a brilliant covering tackle from Haley prevented him from grounding the ball.