Rugby: Chiefs halfback signs with Munster

Chiefs halfback Toby Morland has signed a six-month deal with Irish club Munster. Photo / Getty Images

Chiefs halfback Toby Morland won't be available for Super 14 rugby next year after signing a six-month deal with Irish club Munster.

Morland will also miss Otago's Air NZ Cup campaign this year as his contract runs from July to December, after which he will remain overseas to pursue his rugby career.

"I wanted a short-term contract for a start," Morland told the Otago Daily Times.

"I will then carry on or look elsewhere. I'm keen to get experience overseas and live a different lifestyle."

Morland, who played 47 games for Otago between 2002 and 2008, was not wanted by the Highlanders this year and was picked up by the Chiefs as a draft player.

With All Black Brendon Leonard injured late in the Chiefs' campaign, Morland was in the starting team who beat the Hurricanes in the semifinal last month and succumbed in a heavy final loss to the Bulls at Pretoria.

- NZPA