Benetton Rugby announced this morning their second signing ahead of the 2108/19 season. Munster Out-Half Ian Keatley will join the Pro14 after his deal expires with Munster later this season.
Keatley has scored 1,247 points in his 180 Munster appearances to date, placing him second on the list of Munster’s all-time top points scorers.
Capped 7 times by Ireland, Keatley is third on the list of all-time top points scorers in Guinness PRO14 (1,428 points) and fifth on the list of most games played (196 matches).
“I am very happy to start a new chapter in my career at Benetton Rugby. This is a fantastic opportunity for my wife and daughter to experience something very different. At this moment Benetton is one of the top clubs for achieving something special and I want to be part of this exciting journey. I also believe that with the excellent work done by the staff and my new teammates we can contribute together to achieve many successes. I can not wait to make my debut at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo in front of the green-and-whites fans, ”
Munster also confirmed the news shortly after.
Keatley has struggled for game time this season with the arrival of Joey Carberry, the return from injury of Tyler Bleyendaal and JJ Hanrahan showing good form when given the chance.