Paul Warwick signing for Stade Francais?

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

So claimed the Sunday Times and now the Irish Times is picking up the story:

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2010/1214/1224285489942.html

Munster are also resigned to losing Paul Warwick, most likely to Stade Francais, from the end of this season. Somewhat surprisingly, Munster only offered the goalkicking utility back a one-year contract at the end of this season.

Province and player reached something of a similar impasse two seasons ago when, because of the IRFU’s reduction in the number of overseas players, he was only offered a one-year contract. Then, a counter-offer of a two-year deal from London Irish was staved off at the last minute when Munster were allowed to offer Warwick a two-year deal to stay.

No such compromise looks likely this time, and it’s a surprise that Munster have only offered such a valuable squad and team player only a one-year extension. Only 29, he would probably have stayed if offered a longer deal as it was his stated ambition to see out his career with Munster.

In his four seasons with Munster, he has been invaluable in stepping in at outhalf when Ronan O’Gara has been unavailable or playing as a strike fullback cum alternate playmaker and goalkicker. As a result, Warwick has played 80 games for Munster and scored 404 points, which will make him hard to replace and explains why Michael Cheika at Stade Francais is an admirer.

He'll be a huge loss if true. His versatility has been invaluable to Munster.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Think MunsterMuffin mentioned in another thread that this was just speculation or something?
Would be a blow if true

 

[Dougydeluxe]

ya I don't believe it. He is to much a part of their fondation for Munster to let him walk away so easily.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Can see it happening, quality player mind

 

[munstermuffin]

Lads it's like this.
Paul wants a 2 year extension. The IRFU handle non-Irish player contracts and are willing to only offer 1 year. We want to give him 2 but the fact that Sexton and Heaslip and few other may be leaving is down to IRFU haven't got financial muscle like before.
I doubt Paul has any intention of leaving though as he has a Cork wife and young family here. Also money isn't the issue it is the length of contract.

But Stade Francais are been linked with so many players it hard to see how most stories are true.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Warwick is right to look for as long a deal as possible. He's pushing 30 and this is probably his last big contract. A one year deal isn't satisfactory for a player with his talent who's given so much to Munster rugby. Stade Francais won't have to break the bank to sign him, just offer him the security of a multi year contract.

 

[munstermuffin]

I agree and we here are Munster want to give him a longer deal, it's the IRFU who are holding us and well we are hopeful of a deal soon. I also think IF Paul were to leave it may be to return down under but I really don't think he will move his family to Paris for year or two and then again back to Limerick or Aus.
But Paul isn't asking for ridiculous money just a longer deal.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Is this a case of the PAG putting their foot down to try and force Munster to pick the Irish qualified Johne Murphy, Scott Deasy, Keith Earls or Felix Jones at 15 in the Heineken Cup from next season? I can see the logic behind it but it's terrible from Munster's perspective.

 

[munstermuffin]

Well Snoop I hope it isn't but we will fight it until the end because Paul is also our back-up 10.
I think if players are good enough for Ireland they will naturally break in to province and coaches shouldn't be forced into the move. But we have to remember Munster and Leinster also need to be strong and successful in H'Cup for financial side too

 

[Feicarsinn]

Lads it's like this.
Paul wants a 2 year extension. The IRFU handle non-Irish player contracts and are willing to only offer 1 year. We want to give him 2 but the fact that Sexton and Heaslip and few other may be leaving is down to IRFU haven't got financial muscle like before.
I doubt Paul has any intention of leaving though as he has a Cork wife and young family here. Also money isn't the issue it is the length of contract.

But Stade Francais are been linked with so many players it hard to see how most stories are true.

That didn't stop him signing for LI a few years back.

 

[munstermuffin]

Feic did he leave? If he wanted to leave why didn't he.
Though you had more intelligece

Also factor in his personal situation

 

[Teh Mite]

Feic did he leave? If he wanted to leave why didn't he.
Though you had more intelligece

Also factor in his personal situation

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[TRF_Cymro]

 

[munstermuffin]

Bullitt I can guarantee Warick didn't get a big money deal. He only had issues then like now with the length but well it's the IRFU that are kicking up a fuss and well it just is a bit complicated but not financially motivated