'A loss': Larkham opens up on Bok's likely exit
SPOTLIGHT: The likely departure of Springbok centre Damian de Allende would be a big loss for Munster revealed assistant coach Stephen Larkham.
De Allende’s two-year deal with Munster is coming to end this season.
According to various media reports, the World Cup winner is likely to move to Japan to join either Kintetsu Liners or Saitama Wild Knights.
Reports suggest that the 30-year-old already enjoyed a stint with the Wild Knights and they are the current favourites to win his signature.
“Look, it would be understandable. Players move around all the time,” said Larkham when asked about the 30-year-old’s potential exit.
“It will be disappointing.
“He’s been great for us. I’m not sure what your opinion of him is but he’s been great within the squad, within the organisation and then obviously his performances on the field have been tremendous as well.
“So he would be a loss, no doubt,”
He added: “We certainly haven’t secured our full roster for next year and that’s a process is always going throughout the 12 months of the year.
“There’s always contract negotiations and top-ups and those discussions happening. So it’s no different at the moment.
“We’re kind of in the heat of it at the moment, just trying to get a number of guys signed.
“So we’ll have to wait and see.”
#ICYMI: @Springboks centre Damian De Allende out for a number of weeks reveal @Munsterrugby https://t.co/sLxVYNz0jl
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) January 19, 2022
The province is also set to see once-capped South African lock Jason Jenkins depart for Leinster at the end of the season.
However, they have managed to hold onto Springbok lock RG Snyman, who respectively signed a two-year deal with the Irish Province.
The 26-year-old second row has played just four times for Munster since joining in 2020 due to back-to-back ACL injuries.
“We’ve seen glimpses of RG on the field and we’ve seen a lot more of him at training and around the place, and he adds a lot to this organisation.
“There’s always a concern with players and signing big contracts.
“Look at some of the big players around the world who sign big contracts and then get injured, it’s part and parcel of the game.
“In terms of where RG is at, it’s expected that he will make a full recovery.
“There’s a tremendous team around him at the moment, building him back up, so we’ve got full confidence in that process.”
Sources: Rugbypass & The42
