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19th February 2017
08:37pm GMT

"We decided that it was probably time to move, not necessarily a more ambitious club, to a club that were in the top six and playing Champions Cup rugby. Munster were not guaranteed of that last season and we were unsure of where they were going but I spoke to Rassie in the off-season. I went to meet him before the start of this season and he was ambitious. "I then spoke to [Grenoble teammate] Gio Aplon, who had played under Rassie, and our defence coach. Both couldn't speak highly enough of him. From there, it was an obvious choice. "It was a club that I felt I could have a huge impact at."
Farrell's Ireland ambitions were also part of the conversation. He continued:
"I went home and I did speak to Joe in the off-season and I went to meet him in pre-season for a pretty informal chat. He thought it was a good idea to consider moving home.
"[From] the start of this season, and throughout, I've had a bit of contact with Joe. He has analysed quite a few of my games and he has sent me through lots of advice from games - like 'that was well done' or 'here is what you could have done here to improve'.
"That sort of environment where someone is giving you feedback - where an international coach is taking the time to give you feedback - I want to be part of that. It definitely helps with making the decision to come home to a really professional environment."
The prospect of Farrell teaming up with Rory Scannell in the Munster midfield next season is damn exciting.
Joe Schmidt will be watching.
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