LIMERICK scrum-half Eoin Reddan is hoping that his move from London Wasps to Leinster next season will re-ignite his international career prospects.
Twenty-eight-year-old Reddan has fallen behind Tomas O’Leary and Peter Stringer in the Irish pecking order in recent times and his switch to Leinster should boost his prospects of adding to his haul of 14 full international caps.
Reddan will leave Guinness Premiership giants London Wasps this summer to join Leinster on a three-year deal.
The exciting scrum-half Eoin Reddan will find himself in an unusual position on Saturday when his former club Munster face his new club Leinster in their mammoth Heineken Cup semi-final clash at Croke Park (kick-off 5.30pm).
Reddan, who joined Wasps from Munster in 2005, edging past former Wasp Matt Dawson to become the first-choice scrum-half, has enjoyed four seasons with London Wasps taking with him Powergen Cup, Heineken Cup and Guinness Premiership winners medals.
Whilst with London Wasps 28-year-old Reddan made 106 appearances, scoring 16 tries, playing an integral role within the squad.
On his departure from the Guinness Premiership giants, Eoin Reddan said: “It is tough for me leaving Wasps. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my last four years and I can’t overstate how great a club it is.
“I am looking forward to representing Leinster next season. They are a top club who have proved that year-in year-out on the European stage and they may even go on to win the Heineken Cup come the end of the season.
“The fitness team, physio staff and back room team are top class and make it easy for you to be at your best week-in week-out in what is a long season.
“The coaches have helped me personally and supported me over the last four years and I would like to thank them for all their help and support, particularly in my decision to go home to look to further my international career.
“The biggest thing I will take away from Wasps is the experience of playing on the biggest day of the season, playing in the biggest games and performing consistently as a team.”
Wasps’ Director of Rugby and British and Irish Lions head coach Ian McGeechan said that while they were sad to see Reddan depart the club is, and always will be, one which supports a player’s international ambitions.
Eoin Reddan made his full Irish debut against France as part of the 2006 Six Nations squad. He also played twice for his country at the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France.
Meanwhile Munster will today name their squad for Saturday’s Heineken Cup semi-final showdown with Leinster.
Opponents Leinster will be without their Lions full-back Rob Kearney for the game as he is suffering from mumps.
Meanwhile the dates and kick-off times for Munster’s final two Magners League games of the season have been confirmed.
Leaders Munster will travel to Wales on Sunday, May 10 for a clash with the Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park. The game, which could see Munster crowned Magners League, champions will have a 4.35pm kick-off and will be televised live on Setanta.
Munster’s final game in the league will take place on Friday, May 15 when the Ospreys visit Thomond Park. The round 18 tie has a 7.45pm kick-off and again will be televised live on Setanta.
Munster will be crowned Magners League champions this Thursday night should the Ospreys fail to collect a bonus-point win over the Newport-Gwent Dragons at the Liberty Stadium (7.05pm) in their re-arranged tie.
Colm Kinsella
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
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