Hanrahan’s move to the Stade Marcel Michelin will come at the end of the season, whilst Sweetnam will join La Rochelle with immediate effect as a medical joker and could play some part of the French side’s ongoing Heineken Champions Cup campaign.

The fly-half joins the French club on a one-year deal with the option of a second, having made 140 appearances for the Irish province and has been a central figure in Johann van Grann’s side since his return from Northampton Saints in 2017.

That was highlighted in this season’s Heineken Champions Cup pool stages, scoring 24 points in a flawless kicking display against his future employers at the Stade Marcel Michelin.

Commenting on his move, Hanrahan said: “It was difficult to hear the news regarding my future with Munster Rugby, however, it has been a dream come true and a privilege to represent my home province and wear the jersey for eight years.

Get set for an epic weekend of action as 16 teams do battle and attempt to move one step closer to Europe’s top club prize 🏆
We kick off with a cracker on Friday evening between two European giants when @leinsterrugby host @RCTofficiel at the RDS 💥https://t.co/6IPXPbsqAU

— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) March 29, 2021

“Currently my main focus is to give everything I have to the Munster jersey during my time left here in Ireland.” Sweetnam made 92 appearances for Munster, scoring 22 tries in a prolific six seasons for the two-time European champions.

Commenting on the move, head coach Johann van Graan said: “Like JJ, we were eager to retain the services of Darren beyond the current campaign, but it hasn’t been feasible.

“He is a hugely talented player who has a chance to play in the premier French competition over the coming months and while we are disappointed to see him leave, we are supportive of the move with the hope of Darren securing future opportunities and success in his career.”

Munster Rugby fly-half JJ Hanrahan and wing Darren Sweetnam have both secured moves to France, joining ASM Clermont Auvergne and La Rochelle respectively.