Updated Apr 14th 2021, 1:36 PM<\/p>\n
MUNSTER HAVE CONFIRMED that Simon Zebo is returning home this summer after three seasons with Racing 92 in France.<\/p>\n
The Cork man has signed a one-year contact with Munster that has been co-funded by the IRFU.<\/p>\n
Zebo had been linked with London Irish in recent weeks but Munster will instead bring him on board.<\/p>\n
Zebo, who can play at fullback or on the wing, is Munster\u2019s record try-scorer with 60 in his 144 appearances so far.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe opportunity to bring Simon back to Munster came about in early April following a final review of our squad\u2019s budgetary position for season-end and with assistance from the IRFU to support what we believe is a really good deal for Munster and Irish Rugby,\u201d said Munster head coach Johann van Graan.<\/p>\n
\u201cSimon\u2019s desire to return to Ireland and play with his home club is illustrated by his willingness to sign at a level below his market value elsewhere. This has made bringing the province\u2019s all-time leading try-scorer back home, possible.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Zebo hasn\u2019t played for Ireland since 2017 but a return to Munster will make him eligible for selection in Andy Farrell\u2019s squad once again and the Cork man has made no secret of his desire to add to his 35 caps.<\/p>\n
He will add to the depth in the Munster\u2019s back three alongside the likes of Keith Earls, Mike Haley, Andrew Conway, Shane Daly, Liam Coombes, Calvin Nash, Matt Gallagher, and Se\u00e1n French.<\/p>\n
Zebo moved to Racing in 2018 and started last season\u2019s Champions Cup final against Exeter, scoring a try in an excellent individual performance from fullback.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am thrilled and honoured to be coming back home to play for Munster,\u201d said Zebo.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy family and I have been so lucky to have enjoyed three incredible years with Racing 92 in Paris and I cannot thank the team there enough, I really have made friends for life and take with me some brilliant memories.<\/p>\n