Clermont-Auvergne have confirmed the signing of JJ Hanrahan.
The out-half will leave Munster at the end of this season, having agreed a one-year deal with the option of a second at the Stade Marcel Michelin.
Hanrahan will provide competition and cover for Camille Lopez at the Top 14 side.
Meanwhile, winger Darren Sweetnam is to join Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle as a medical joker. The 27-year old requested an early release from his Munster contract to sign the short-term deal.
Following the return to full fitness of Joey Carbery and the progress made by Ben Healy this season, Hanrahan had seen the walls closing in at Munster.
The 28-year old returned to the province in 2017, having spent a pair of seasons with Northampton Saints.
To date, he's racked up 150 Munster appearances, kicking 803 points along the way. 24 of that total were scored at his future home in December, with Munster staging a remarkable comeback to beat Clermont in the pool phase of the Heineken Champions Cup.
That game went a long way to dispelling talk that Hanrahan lacked a 'big match temperament'.
Despite chatter around a potential Ireland call-up after that performance, it didn't materialise for the Six Nations and he's now opted for a change of scenery.
"I am really happy and can't wait to join such a prestigious club as ASM Clermont Auvergne," he told his new club's website.
"I'm proud to be able to wear this jersey and to have the opportunity to enjoy a new experience in France, with the ambition to bring everything I can to help the club and the team to win more trophies.
"I can't wait to play at the Marcel-Michelin stadium wearing this jersey in front of incredible fans famous far beyond the borders of Auvergne. "
Regarding the departure of Ireland international Sweetnam, Munster head coach Johann van Graan said, "Like JJ, we were eager to retain the services of Darren beyond the current campaign, but it hasn’t been feasible.
“He is a hugely talented player who has a chance to play in the premier French competition over the coming months and while we are disappointed to see him leave, we are supportive of the move with the hope of Darren securing future opportunities and success in his career.”
Alan Quinlan: ‘Worrying Munster performance’ | Dominant Leinster body language | OTB AM
