Lewis is Munster bound in attempt to further career

Following the recent trend that sees Munster avail of Leinster's rich supply of backs and Leinster procure the harder edge of a Munster forward, former St Mary's College schoolboy Kieran Lewis will move to the south from next season.

And who could blame the 26-year-old occupational therapist (worth noting as it's a rarity that a professional rugby player has a separate career ready to roll when the sport is done with him). It makes sense that someone who is regularly selected for Ireland A but struggles to make his provincial replacements' bench will seek a move to further his career.

Neither is it anybody's fault Lewis arrived into the Leinster camp a few seasons behind Gordon D'Arcy and Brian O'Driscoll.

"I know a lot of the Munster lads after been involved with them at various levels so I think I know what's required. Yes there are regrets to be leaving Leinster, I have been here right from the start, have enjoyed my time and learned a lot here. I hope to help them achieve a few things before the end of the season."

Lewis, who won his only senior cap against Japan in June 2005, played alongside Paul O'Connell and Denis Leamy on the Irish schools side. O'Connell and Donncha O'Callaghan were also teammates at under-21 level.

Munster are obviously pleased with the announcement as Lewis, at 6ft 1in and 90kg, brings pace and guile to whatever team he represents. He also brings versatility having played regularly at both centre slots and wing. Outside centre is his preferred position but he was selected at inside for last Friday's defeat to the England Saxons at Ravenhill to accommodate Munster's number 13 Barry Murphy.

Meanwhile, Trevor Halstead returns from a calf injury to Declan Kidney's 23-man squad for the trip to Galashiels to play the Border Reivers on Friday night.

Also included are Irish replacements Jerry Flannery and Mick O'Driscoll, but they will remain in international camp until later this week and their availability remains subject to the Irish management.

MUNSTER SQUAD: C Cullen, S Payne, B Murphy, L Mafi, T Halstead, I Dowling, J Manning, E Hickey, B O'Meara, T O'Leary, T Buckley, F Pucciariello, D Hurley, Tim Ryan, F Sheahan, J Flannery, M O'Driscoll, C Wyatt, D Ryan, M Melbourne, A Quinlan, T McGann, J Coughlan.