My home.

Simon Zebo has opened the door to returning to Munster in the future and hope the southern province feel the same. Zebo will depart his native province at the end of the season, after agreeing a deal to move to the Top 14 in France.

The winger spoke about moving to France in the past, but his decision to leave at just 27 came a huge surprise, with many expecting him to set sail at least after the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Zebo says it was a tough decision but he made it for his family. He says he wants to test himself in France while he’s in his prime,

“It’ll be tough watching the boys but…yeah I’m not looking forward to it,” Zebo admitted

“It is tough to miss out on Munster.”

“I knew the decision was coming up and I just had to make a decision for me and what I consider is best for me and my family,”

“I could have waited until I was 31 or 32 and be a sheep like 90% of all the players who decide to go then but I wanted to try it when I’m in my prime and give it my best shot. I’m true to myself and I know who I am so I do things my way and I’m not shy about doing that.”

Zebo says it’s something he always wanted to do and the right opportunity came up at the right time. He says he’s still young and could perhaps return to Munster one day.

“It’s something I always wanted to do and the right opportunity at the right time came up. I’m still young enough, I could always hopefully one day… if the door isn’t fully closed on me, I’d still love to be a part of Munster Rugby in the future, but trying out the Top 14 is always something I wanted to do.”

He was unable to divulge the length of his contract in France, but reaffirmed his hope of one day playing for Munster again.

“Munster is my home,”

“In my eyes, it’s one of the best places in the world to play rugby. I’ve been blessed and very grateful to be given the opportunity to represent Munster for the past few years. This is a step I’ve wanted to take in my life, but definitely not closing the door and hopefully, Munster wouldn’t close the door on me either because it’s my home.”