Rory Scannell departs Munster after 'rollercoaster' 12 years
The centre's departure had been expected this summer, with Munster captain Tadhg Beirne hinting as much following last weekend's BKT United Rugby Championship quarter-final defeat to the Sharks.
It was a cruel way for the 31-year-old to sign off on his Munster career, as he missed one of his two place-kicks in the shootout defeat in Durban, on what was his 200th appearance for the province.
"It's a huge honour to have played for my home club 200 times, particularly alongside my brother [Niall]," Scannell said.
"It's been a rollercoaster of ups and downs over the last 12 years, but I have made so many great memories that will live with me forever.
"I've met some great people here and made friends for life.
"The squad is in a great place and I just want to wish the club very best of luck going forward and I will be supporting them wherever I am."
Having come through Presentation Brothers College, Cork, Scannell joined the Munster academy in 2013/14, and made his competitive debut for the province against Cardiff in November 2014.
Scannell was named Munster's Academy Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year following an impressive 2015/16 campaign, and went on to become the youngest player to reach 100 appearances for the province when he hit that mark in 2019 at the age of 25.
An Ireland international, he won all three of his caps on the 2017 summer tour of USA and Japan, playing for Ireland alongside his brother Niall.
Head of rugby operations and interim head coach Ian Costello said: "Everyone in the province couldn't speak highly enough of Rory as a player and a person.
"Very few players have contributed as much as he has to Munster Rugby over the past 12 years both on and off the field.
"He is the youngest ever player to reach 100 caps for Munster and was a key member of our leadership group.
"He is the ultimate team player and an excellent team-mate, always putting the club before himself.
"An extremely popular member of the squad, he will be sorely missed and we wish him and his wife Aisling the very best for the future."
Scannell is the latest Munster veteran whose departure has been confirmed this summer, joining Conor Murray, and the retiring Stephen Archer and Peter O'Mahony. Between them, the quartet have played 908 games for the province.
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