Saili hopes to stay at Munster

Former New Zealand centre Francis Saili hopes to sign a new contract with Munster when his current two-year deal expires this summer.

Saili, 25, was part of the New Zealand Under 20 team that won the Junior World Championship in Italy in 2011, and won the first of his two caps for the All Blacks against Argentina in September 2013.

Saili missed the opening four months of the season with a shoulder injury but has played in all eight games since returning against Leinster on St Stephen’s Day, and wants to extend the two-year contract he signed with the province in 2015.

"It’s a weekly thing for me but you know I’m honoured to stay here longer," Saili said.

"Going back home, pre-World Cup… when you have something quite good here you’re happy to stay here longer.

"Whatever happens, happens but I’m just playing each week as it comes and putting my hand up and being able to play my best. That’s what I want to do."

Munster moved to the top of the Pro 12 table and the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup in Saili's absence, and the former Auckland Blues player admits he found it difficult to watch from the stands during his four months out.

"It’s never easy being on the sidelines, and see your team go well," he said.

"You always want to be part of the team as well and be out there playing so it was a tough four months but I’m back in it now and it’s a blessing in disguise for me, I’m happy to be out there again with the boys."

Photo by Inpho/ Donall Farmer

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