The IRFU have reportedly blocked a move which would have seen Australia captain Stephen Moore join Munster following the conclusion of the upcoming Super Rugby season.
According to The42.ie, the 32-year-old was open to the move but IRFU performance director David Nucifora was unwilling to sanction the signing. Nucifora's reasoning was that Moore's addition could hinder the development of hookers currently with the province.
Moore - born to Irish parents in Saudi Arabia - grew up in Galway, but moved to Australia when he was five.
The player, who captained Australia to the World Cup final against New Zealand, has accumulated 102 caps for the Wallabies. He was named in World Rugby's Team of the Tournament.
Reaction from Munster fans regarding the IRFU decision has been pretty much unanimously negative.
Bull shit https://t.co/3XvHCzOCAE
— carmel o connor (@carmeloconnor1) November 18, 2015
No consistency with @IrishRugby blocking @stevemoore83 move 2 @Munsterrugby considering sanctioned a fortune 4 Mils Muliana @connachtrugby — Barry-John Ryan (@BJRYAN1977) November 18, 2015
If the #irfu want to deny us players how about signing some of our lads to central contracts?Look at the deadwood at Leinster on them!? #fml
— Munstoppable (@Kingof_Munster) November 18, 2015
@Overthehillprop It's not good for attracting the top names when you tell the Aussie captain to feck off and stop stealing our jobs ? #irFU — Munstoppable (@Kingof_Munster) November 18, 2015
How much more 'Home grown' talent must Munster produce before they can go outside for a signing - IRFU blocking Stephen Moore to Munster!
— Daniel Pitcher (@DanPitchside) November 18, 2015
@MichaelC_RTE Typical anti Munster bias from IRFU.Lein never blocked signing players & raid Connachts best just to become squad players
— Cormac O Donoghue (@CormacODonoghue) November 18, 2015
@IRFURugby what a joke Stephen Moore is blocked for signing for @Munsterrugby. Any of the other provinces it would be ok..
— J Collins (@JeffCollins84) November 18, 2015
Wonder that if Stephen Moore was joining Leinster @IrishRugby would still veto the move.
— Paul Dinneen (@paul_dinneen) November 18, 2015
Picture credit: Matt Browne / SPORTSFILE
