Munster’s Danny Barnes joins Newcastle

Newcastle Falcons have signed Munster centre Danny Barnes on a two-year contract.

The New Zealand-born player joins the Falcons less than a week after their return to the Aviva Premiership was confirmed.

Barnes, who made 34 appearances for Munsterand is eligible for Ireland, hasn’t ruled out a return to the province but feels the time is right for a change.

“It wasn’t by any means an easy decision for me to move, “ he said, “because I’m a Munsterman and always will be. But I feel I need to be playing as often as possible at the highest level I possibly can and after discussions with Rob (Penney) and Garrett Fitzgerald, we agreed that this move would benefit that ambition.

“I am grateful for their support and encouragement and, though I intend applying myself fully to Newcastle Falcons, I will harbour thoughts of returning to Munster at some stage in the future if the opportunity arises.”

Munster coach Penney said the province understands Barnes’s decision.

“Danny has been a very valued member of the Munster squad and contributed a great deal during his time here,” he said today. “We collectively believe that it’s in his own best interests to move to Newcastle Falcons where he can further develop his talent. He leaves with our very best wishes and we don’t rule out the possibility of him donning the Munster red in the future.”

On his new club, Barnes said: “I am really excited at the prospect of joining Newcastle Falcons, a club that has serious ambitions of going all the way to the top.”

The 23-year-old is Newcastle's seventh signing for next season, joining Rory Clegg, Andy Saull, Phil Godman, Mike Blair, Scott Lawson and Fraser McKenzie.