Two-time Heineken Cup champions and this season's quarter-finalists, Munster Rugby, have signed the Northampton Saints centre, James Downey.
Downey (30), who had a previous stint with Munster in 2006/07, joined Northampton Saints at the start of the 2007/08 season and quickly established himself as a regular in their match day squad. In November 2010 he made his 100th appearance for the club, and to date has made 135 appearances scoring 12 tries.
A Churchill Cup winner with Ireland in June 2009, he began his pro career at Leinster before moving to Connacht for two seasons, and now returns to Munster on a two-year contract at the end of this season.
Munster, who came through to the knockout stages with a 100 per cent record in Pool 1, play their Heineken Cup quarter-final against Irish rivals, Ulster Rugby, at Thomond Park on Sunday, 8 April (kick-off: 13.45).
Commenting on the move, Munster Head Coach, Tony McGahan, said: "James is a quality player who has been on our radar for some time now. We've seen at first hand in recent times in the Heineken Cup exactly what he has to offer and believe that his style and his attitude can only enhance our squad."
