Any notion that Ulster and Ireland flyhalf David Humpreys intends to end his career with South African Super 14 outfit, The Stormers, was strongly denied by Ulster Rugby chief executive Michael Reid today.
The rumour that Humpreys could move to Cape Town at the end of the season was fuelled by reports in the Times in Cape Town where Stormers coach Kobus van der Merwe said he was hopeful of signing Humpreys.
However, Reid made it clear the 34-year-old would not be leaving the province and said: "No approach from any Super 14 club has been made with regard to David Humphreys."
"David is under contract with Ulster Rugby until 1st June 2006 and is currently in negotiations with us with a view to a new deal," added Reid on the Ulster Rugby website.
Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan is also keen to find out what Humpreys intends to do in the future. The Irish record points scorer - 560 points - made noises that he planned to retire from international rugby at the end of the season but O’Sullivan wants Humpreys to keep playing and be available for next year’s World Cup.
Humphreys made his Ireland debut against France in 1996 and has earned 72 caps since then. He was also a key play in Ulster’s finest hour when they won the European Cup in 1999.
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