After reports linking him with leaving the province, Munster have this morning announced the departure of Donncha O'Callaghan.
Munster's most capped player is to join the Aviva Premiership side Worcester Warriors on a two year deal after the side were promoted to England's top tier this season.
O'Callaghan told the Munster website; "It has been a huge decision for me to leave Munster, one that I have thought long and hard about. The opportunity to prolong my career is one that I couldn't pass up and I'm extremely grateful to Munster, the IRFU and Worcester for providing me with this opportunity."
"Playing for both my home province and country has been a dream come true for me and my family, I have loved every moment of it. I leave with a full heart and unbelievable memories."
The news comes as a blow to head coach Anthony Foley who loses O'Callaghan after Paul O'Connell left the team at the start of the summer. Despite the loss of O'Callaghan to the team, Foley paid tribute to the forwards contribution to the province.
"I had the honour of playing with Donncha for over a decade and have witnessed first-hand everything he has achieved with Munster and Ireland. A true Munster man in every sense, his passion and commitment were clear for all to see. He is held in the highest regard on the world stage after excelling at every level and we are thankful for his immense contribution to the province."
The 36 year old won two Heineken Cups, in 2006 and 2008, a Celtic League and two Magners League titles in 2003, 2009 and 2011 and a Celtic Cup in 2005 with the province.
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