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Cardiff Blues star Robin Copeland is to leave the Arms Park to join Munster at the end of this season.

The Irish No 8 has proved a major success since arriving at the region from Rotherham in the summer of 2012.

He has become a firm fans’ favourite over the last 18 months with his athleticism, pace and wholehearted attitude.

The 26-year-old from Wexford was named Man of the Match after the Blues’ famous Heineken Cup victory over European champions Toulon in October.

And he produced an outstanding defensive performance in Friday’s 29-20 Euro defeat of Glasgow at the Arms Park.

The Blues had made him a new contract offer in the hope of retaining his services.

But Copeland’s desire to play for Ireland has proved a key factor in his decision to sign up with Munster.

It’s a big blow for the Blues, who also look set to lose Bradley Davies to Wasps and are facing a real battle to hold on to Lions stars Leigh Halfpenny and Sam Warburton in the face of big money offers from French clubs.