Munster have announced the capture of former All Black Casey Laulala. The 29-year-old centre, who currently plays for the Cardiff Blues, will move to the province at the end of the season on a two-year deal. It’s the second major acquisition made by head coach Tony McGahan in recent weeks, after the recent confirmation that Northampton Saints star, James Downey will be returning to the province in the summer. Laulala, who played Super 14 rugby with the Crusaders and in the Air New Zealand Cup with Canterbury before moving to Cardiff, made his debut for the Blues against Connacht in December 2009. He’s made 58 appearances for the Cardiff Blues, scoring 14 tries for the Welsh side. Reacting to the news, McGahan said: “The club is obviously delighted that we’ve managed to secure the services of a player of his undoubted calibre for the next two seasons. I believe it shows the ambition that Munster Rugby harbors for the years ahead and I think it speaks volumes that a high quality player such as Casey chooses to come to Munster ahead of a very impressive chasing pack. We’re only too well aware of his rugby capabilities having come up against him first hand for the past number of seasons and believe he will not only have a strong contribution on-field but also act as a mentor to the emerging back talent we have in our squad.” Speaking after training with the Blues in Cardiff earlier today, Laulala said: “I’ve enjoyed myself very, very much here at the Blues and was fortunate enough to win the Amlin Challenge Cup with them in my first season here. My family and me have thoroughly enjoyed our time in Cardiff and I’d like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for welcoming me. I guess this is a fresh challenge for me, it’s something new and hopefully the Munster welcome will be as warm as the one I experienced here in Cardiff. Munster are a very successful team so I’m looking forward to joining them and experiencing life in Ireland. However, there is still a lot of rugby to be played this season so I am still fully focused on doing well for the Blues.”
Casey Laulala in action for the Cardiff Blues ©INPHO
