Damian de Allende: Springbok centre confirms Munster departure but rules out a European move

Dylan Coetzee

South Africa centre Damian de Allende has confirmed his departure from Munster at the end of the season but ruled out a move to a fellow European team.

Munster have signed Malakai Fekitoa to replace the Springbok, as his departure from the province comes as no surprise.

Return to Japan?

De Allende joined Munster following a stint in Japan, where he could return after he decided against going to Bath – a club he has been heavily linked to – or another European outfit.

“I’m not staying, but it hasn’t been confirmed where I’m going. I’m not staying in Europe, so I’m definitely not going to Bath, I haven’t spoken to anyone at Bath,” De Allende told reporters.

“I will not be staying in Europe as of the end of the season, which is unfortunate, but I’m looking forward to ending the season on a high, but I really want to leave Munster with great memories I’ve made already, but some silverware as well.”

The province returned to winning ways when they tore Benetton apart 51-22 after two losses in South Africa.

“I know the last couple of weeks in South Africa we just fell short, we were disappointed because we felt we gave a lot in those games,” added De Allende.

“When you come up just short in a game like that, especially away from home, it’s just quite sad after the game. We know that we maybe could have been a bit better, our execution at the end of the games could have been a bit better, but we’re on the right path and I think everyone at the club is enjoying their rugby.”

De Allende, however, has focused his attention on the Leinster clash in the United Rugby Championship on Saturday in what he expects to be a significant test.

“It’s quite tough, it’s quite challenging because it almost feels like a Test match. They have quite a few internationals and experience in the team. What they bring to the match, the intensity is higher, the physicality is similar as well, but it’s one game as a player you want to challenge yourself against,” he said.

“They are one of the best teams in Europe in the past few years. Like I say all the time, you want to test yourself against the best players and the majority of the team are some of the best players in Ireland, that’s why they represent Ireland, and did quite well in the Six Nations.

“A lot of the guys are looking forward to the challenge, and we’re excited to have the fans back at Thomond Park, and it’ll be an incredible atmosphere on Saturday.”

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