As Munster confirmed the news that none of their supporters wanted to hear on Monday afternoon, there was one important piece of information left out of the statement that informed us of Simon Zebo's upcoming departure from the club.
Although he had made desire to play abroad clear in the past and the fact that he has close family ties to France is common knowledge, there was no confirmation as to which club he would be joining when he does leave in the summer.
Gerry Thornley has since revealed for The Irish Times that Zebo will be landing in Paris to play for Racing 92, where he will once again have the chance to work with Ronan O'Gara and play alongside Donnacha Ryan.
Simon Zebo is set to pitch up with his former teammates Ronan O’Gara and Donnacha Ryan at Racing 92 from next season onwards after notifying Munster and the IRFU of his decision to turn down a new contract.
As reported in The Irish Times last week, Racing had replaced Pau as Zebo’s main suitors, with upwardly mobile Lyon also interested, and the 27-year-old Munster and Irish winger and full-back has apparently signed a pre-contract with the Parisian club.
It certainly is the move that made most sense.
The link between the two clubs has grown stronger since the passing of Anthony Foley, and with two friends already at the club it would make a big difference in terms of settling in for what will be Zebo's first experience of playing club rugby outside of Ireland.
We're still waiting for official confirmation from the clubs, but it looks very much like Zebo will be playing in the baby-blue and white stripes of Racing next season.
