Munster are hoping JJ Hanrahan will reject overtures from the Northampton Saints and instead sign a new contract to remain with the Irish province.

Speaking at a press briefing in Limerick, Munster coach Anthony Foley offered some background into the player's injury profile over the past couple of seasons and why it had to be carefully managed, thus limiting his playing exposure somewhat.

He also pointed out that Hanrahan started the season late because of those concerns, about a month behind the majority of the squad. Foley was unequivocal in his assertion that the province wants to keep the player.

“He’s an incredible footballer and someone we want to keep,” said Foley.

A former Irish schools and Under-20 outhalf, who was shortlisted for the IRB World Young Player in 2012, after playing a starring role in Ireland’s climb to a fifth placed finish, Hanrahan’s professional career has not quite panned out as he would have hoped or certainly liked; especially this season.

He was afforded more opportunities last season at outhalf, but this season his face does not appear to have fit, and he has been confined to just two starts at outhalf. Last week, notably, he was an unused sub in the Champions Cup defeat at home to Clermont.