• Wing is expected to sign for a French club next season • Province says it is unable to match lucrative overseas offers

Simon Zebo will in effect sacrifice his place at the 2019 Rugby World Cup by leaving Munster and heading overseas at the end of the season. The province have confirmed that the Ireland wing will leave Thomond Park next summer, with the French club Pau leading the pack chasing his signature.

Zebo has racked up 35 Ireland caps since his 2012 debut but the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) policy of refusing to select overseas-based players means he will not be in the plans of the head coach, Joe Schmidt, next season.

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The French-speaking Zebo has never hidden his desire to play abroad and revealed he put his family first when opting to leave his home province .

“This club has moulded me into the player and person I am today and I will forever be grateful for that,” the 27‑year‑old said. “It has always been my dream to play for my home club, wearing the red jersey while representing my family, friends and local community.

“However, I have always noted the draw to play abroad one day and I have decided on what’s best for my family. With my partner Elvira and two young children Jacob and Sofia, we are planning for our future and this is the right time for us to make the move.

“As much as I will miss everything about this place – the players, staff, supporters and friends for life – I know there are many more special nights in Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park to be had. I will continue to enjoy wearing my jersey with pride and will give my all in making sure Munster are successful this season.”

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Garrett Fitzgerald, the Munster chief executive, admitted the province and the IRFU were unable to match the lucrative offers tabled for Zebo from abroad. “Working closely with the IRFU we put ourselves in the best position possible with an excellent offer and, while we are largely successful in retaining our best players, within the Irish system we know it is out of our hands on this occasion,” Fitzgerald said.

“We are hugely disappointed to see Simon leave but we wish to thank him for his immense contribution to Munster and wish him and his family all the best for the future.”