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Donncha O'Callaghan says Simon Zebo will bring "X-factor" to Munster

ZEBO IS coming back to Munster.

It was confirmed on Wednesday that Simon Zebo, Munster's record try-scorer, would be returning to the club for the 2021/2022 season.

This co-funded contract will see Zebo return from Racing 92 and line out for his home club where he made 144 appearances and scored 60 tries between 2010 and 2018.

Munster head Coach Johann van Graan said: "The opportunity to bring Simon back to Munster came about in early April following a final review of our squad’s budgetary position for season-end and with assistance from the IRFU to support what we believe is a really good deal for Munster and Irish Rugby.

"Simon’s desire to return to Ireland and play with his home club is illustrated by his willingness to sign at a level below his market value elsewhere. This has made bringing the province’s all-time leading try-scorer back home, possible."

Meanwhile, Donncha O'Callaghan said that Zebo will bring a lot to the Munster side.

"It's brilliant news, it really is. It's a brilliant bit of work from David Nucifora and Johann van Graan and 100% he's going to bring X-factor on the pitch like he always does," he said.

"I think the time in Racing will be brilliant for him because I think he will have other experiences. What a guy to get back in it. He's like the equivalent of Simon Geoghegan when I was growing up - just someone that you look to and makes you want to play the game.

"So Zeebs has X-factor on it but off it he's so generous with his time and he creates a buzz and I'm delighted to see him back in red and green."

Zebo himself said: "I am thrilled and honoured to be coming back home to play for Munster. My family and I have been so lucky to have enjoyed three incredible years with Racing 92 in Paris and I cannot thank the team there enough, I really have made friends for life and take with me some brilliant memories.

"However, as everyone knows, Munster holds a very special place in my heart and I’ve always said that I wanted to play for them and potentially Ireland again, so when this opportunity arose the lure of being close to home, family and friends and Munster fans, it outweighed all other options.

"I cannot wait to get back to the HPC with the team and hopefully a packed Thomond Park."