http://www.rugbyweek.com/news/article.asp?id=26145
Newcastle Falcons sign Munster fly half
Article Published: Thursday 3 June 2010
Newcastle Falcons have announced the signing of New Zealand-born playmaker & Munster fly half Jeremy Manning.
The 24-year-old Manning has made 50 apearances for the Munstermen and qualified for Ireland on residency grounds.
Falcons head coach Alan Tait welcomed the capture of Manning on a one-year deal, saying: "He's a quality player.
"Jeremy has been in a fantastic environment over in Munster for the past five seasons, learning from the greats like Ronan O'Gara.
"He's featured for them in the Magners League and Heineken Cup, and also played for them against the New Zealand All Blacks when they only lost out by two points to a late try right at the end.
"He played in four of their European games when they won the Heineken Cup back in 2006 and was on the bench for the final, he made six appearances when they won the Magners League title back in 2009 and he knows what it's all about at the top level.
"He kicks goals, runs the back line well and he will definitely provide plenty of competition for the likes of Jimmy Gopperth and Tom Catterick here."
With Catterick set to go under the knife shortly, Tait added: "Tom is having an operation on his shoulder which means he will miss the start of the season, and we would have egg on our faces if we did not look to protect ourselves in that department.
"We put the feelers out and were inundated with fly halves from all over the world, from the Championship, Premiership, Celtic League and everywhere you can possibly think of.
"After a lot of hard work and research Jeremy emerged right at the top of that list, and from there it was actually pretty seamless getting him on board because he really wants to be at this club.
"He's at a good age, he wants a new challenge after five years at Munster and he recognises that Newcastle Falcons is a place where he can continue to progress his career."
In addition to his six appearances for Munster in the Magners League last season Manning also helped the province to the final of the British and Irish Cup, as well as steering Cork Constitution to a league and cup double in Irish domestic action.
An Ireland Students cap, Manning is also a former New Zealand Schools international, having represented his homeland back in 2003.
He becomes Alan Tait's tenth signing of the summer since taking over as Falcons head coach, following the previously-announced arrivals of Ally Hogg (Edinburgh), Glen Townson (Doncaster), James Hall (Coventry), Luke Eves (Bristol), Luke Fielden (Bedford), James Fitzpatrick (Blaydon), Joe Graham (Tynedale), Mark Wilson (Blaydon) and Paul Moriarty (assistant coach).
Jeremy Manning Factfile
Position: Fly half
Born: 11/9/85
Height: 5ft 10
Weight: 13 stone
Honours: Ireland Students, New Zealand Schools
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Originally Posted by dsennah
