Munster's Manning set for Newcastle switch

Munster out-half Jeremy Manning is to move to Guinness Premiership side Newcastle Falcons.

The 24-year-old New Zealander, who is Irish qualified on residency grounds, has made 50 apearances for Munster.

Falcons head coach Alan Tait welcomed the capture of Manning on a one-year deal, saying: 'He's a quality player. Jeremy has been in a fantastic environment over in Munster for the past five seasons, learning from the greats like Ronan O'Gara.

‘He's featured for them in the Magners League and Heineken Cup, and also played for them against the New Zealand All Blacks when they only lost out by two points to a late try right at the end.

'He played in four of their European games when they won the Heineken Cup back in 2006 and was on the bench for the final, he made six appearances when they won the Magners League title back in 2009 and he knows what it's all about at the top level.

'He kicks goals, runs the back line well and he will definitely provide plenty of competition for the likes of Jimmy Gopperth and Tom Catterick here.'

In addition to his six appearances for Munster in the Magners League last season Manning also helped the province to the final of the British and Irish Cup, as well as steering Cork Constitution to an AIB All-Ireland League and cup double.

An Ireland Students cap, Manning is also a former New Zealand Schools international, having represented his homeland back in 2003.