The opening four words of James Cronin’s statement spoke volumes for how he really feels about his impending departure from Munster:
“It’s with great regret,” the loosehead prop said, as he announced that he will leave at the end of the season.
Although there had been murmurings in recent weeks, many supporters were surprised by the confirmation that one of their most experienced props is being allowed to leave.
The pandemic has brought about plenty of financial problems, yet the decision to cut loose Cronin, who was handed a one-month ban for an anti-doping violation in 2020, has raised eyebrows. With Dave Kilcoyne set to miss a large chunk of next season due to international commitments, Munster will have Jeremy Loughman, Liam O’Connor and Josh Wycherley to pick from.
Up until now, Cronin had provided a strong back-up option to Kilcoyne, who has endured plenty of injury problems, but the cupboard will not be as stacked next year.
Asked if he could shed any further light about the reasons for Cronin leaving, Munster’s forwards coach Graham Rowntree said: “Not really. There’s not much more to add from our statement.
"I think he has been very good for us this year and I think in any career, you’ve got to experience something new, which he will be looking to do. I can’t speak highly enough about working with the guy and wherever he goes, he will be successful.”
Wycherley is an exciting prospect, but the 21-year-old prop has only played six games since his tour de force in Clermont last December.
“He’s had some injury problems at the start of the year and unfortunately in a competitive position like that if you get injured you can go quickly to the back of the queue and wait for your turn again,” Rowntree said.
“But he’s been very patient in that process, a very professional young man, constantly working on his game and he’ll be back, he has a big future with this club.”
Despite Cronin’s departure, Rowntree is confident in the strength in depth at his disposal.
“It’s a very, very competitive position,” the Englishman added.
“I think we’ve seen that this season with the performances of the guys there. Jeremy Loughman and Liam (O’Connor) in particular. Then Josh took his chance, that game he had in Clermont was incredible.
“Stocks are good there. Guys do come through and guys leave the club, that’s just the nature of clubs.”
Meanwhile, Munster will be without Conor Murray (leg), Chris Farrell (groin), Roman Salanoa (ankle) and Thomas Ahern (illness) for Friday’’s Rainbow Cup clash against Cardiff, but Gavin Coombes and Paddy Patterson are available.