Eddie Halvey moved to London the season after helping Munster to the 2000 Heineken Cup final and spent two seasons there which ended in glory when London Irish won the Powergen Cup. His versatility is seen as a vital factor by Munster in light of their current injury problems. With Paul O'Connell and David Wallace ruled out until the New Year Halvey will add to the competition for places in the Munster pack.

He won his first Ireland A against Scotland in Ayr in December 1993 and his first senior cap came in March 1995 against France. He toured with the Irish Development side to New Zealand and Western Samoa in 1997.

A joint statement released yesterday by London Irish and Munster said. Eddie Halvey is rejoining the Irish province Munster with immediate effect. The former Irish international back row forward has signed a contract with Munster that will effectively see him finishing his career in his native country. Given the circumstances, London Irish agreed to Halvey's early release from the final season of his contract.

Halvey (32) joined London Irish in July 2000 and has since made 48 appearances scoring nine tries. He played a key role in the squad that won the Powergen Cup last season.

Commenting on the announcement Conor O'Shea, the London Irish Director of Rugby said ?We are sorry to lose Eddie, he has made a great contribution to the club both on and off the pitch. Given the opportunity that has arisen for Eddie it would be wrong for us to stand in the way of his wishes. We thank him for his service and wish him well in continuing his playing career with Munster.?

Munster team manager Jerry Holland said, ? Eddie is a quality player. He is well known to Munster supporters and I'm sure they will join with me in welcoming him back into the Munster squad. He is a versatile player whose presence will make the competition for a place in the forwards all the keener. ?