Munster centre Denis Hurley signs one-year contract extension

Munster centre Denis Hurley has signed a one-year contract extension with the province, who have also confirmed the release of two other players.

Paddy Butler and Sean Dougall will leave Munster at the end of the season after declining to renew their deals. Dugall will sign for French Pro D2 club Pau.

Hurley, who has scored 12 tries in 144 appearances, has been with Munster for nine years and will extend that stay for another 12 months.

Hurley has a solitary Irish international cap to his name but has represented the Wolfhounds on nine occasions.

"In re-signing Denis we are maintaining the services of a talented and experienced individual,” said Munster head coach Anthony Foley.

“Denis has always shown his leadership qualities and versatility, providing us with a number of options across the backline.”

Butler and Dougall, both back-row forwards, will leave to pursue more playing time than they might have got with Munster, a department which Foley accepts is a competitive one at the province.

"It is always disappointing to see guys leave,” he said. “In professional sport you have to be ambitious, and players are eager to secure game time, but with the back row being such a competitive area within our squad it is an ongoing challenge to satisfy all parties. 

“We wish both players the very best of luck for the future, but before then they have a job to do here. Knowing Paddy and Sean they will want to achieve success with this squad and give it their all for the remainder of the season.”