Players outside their control are only available for international windows. Irish franchises are obliged to release players for training camps and the entire 6N.
It’s obviously a great move for him monetarily but I’m not sure how good it will be for him rugbywise. He’s a big fish in a small pond over here and has been feted for a few champagne moments, possibly more than he deserves. He’ll be targeted for sure and his tackling was never his strongest point anyway(although it did improve a lot in the last 18 months which shows he’s at least willing to work at his game). I think he’ll struggle a bit to be honest.
I’d like him to do well though.
He’s obviously got a lot of French links, and wants to experience another culture. Its not a surprise really. He’s never lacked confidence and feels he’s worth more. I say best of luck to him, he’s never really been appreciated in Ireland or Munster, I suspect he will be once he’s gone. Cant have been an easy decision, with a young family, etc either.
Most of his stories are public domain really. I xame across him in GAA and he was an ass. I came across him in town socially and he was an ass. I have been told by people who played with him that he is an ass (now they could be generational issues)
And i thought he was a pretty shit Pro for quite a while and very immature.
He did put in a good last few years though, that has to be said.