Rugby: Reds discard heads to Munster

Will Chambers. Photo / Supplied

Discarded Queensland Reds centre Will Chambers has put off a return to the NRL until at least 2013 after signing with Irish rugby giants Munster.

Chambers is set to link with the Celtic League champions early next month on an open-ended short-term deal after being cut by the Reds for their Super Rugby title defence.

The 23-year-old, who played in the 2009 NRL grand final for the Melbourne Storm, initially showed interest in making a return to the Storm or signing with Canterbury.

But his agent, Peter Apolakiatis, said Chambers was now more interested in playing rugby overseas, especially in Japan, and may not look to return to Australia until 2014.

He will link with Munster, coached by Australian Tony McGahan, once he gains a work visa and has the option to extend his six-month deal through to the mid-year end of the European season.

A powerful ball-runner, Chambers had impressed Wallabies coach Robbie Deans in his Super Rugby debut season last year but shoulder surgery impacted on his confidence in 2011 when he started just six games.

Apolakiatis said the Northern Territory product was in no rush to return to league.

"We've missed the (NRL) boat this year," he said. "The offers are still there but Will just needs to get away for a while and enjoy this opportunity.

"We're seeing how he goes over there (in Ireland) for six months.

"Beyond that we're definitely looking at Japan more than anywhere else to tie in with the end of the (European) season, which may rule him out of an NRL return for another two years."

- AAP