For eight years, Corkonian James Coughlan donned the distinctive red of Munster.

But now he finds himself plying his trade in the foothills of the French Pyrenees with French Pro D2 side Pau.

But how is the 33-year-old settling into life in Gaul?

The man himself spoke to Off The Ball's Joe Molloy and explained the decision to leave Ireland for France.

"I was lucky enough to spend nearly nine years with Munster and all I really wanted to do was play with Munster. Obviously it was a really difficult decision. I was 33 and the opportunity came along and I knew if I didn't take it now, I'd never go," he said.

"I think I'd have regretted it if I hadn't because it was one of those things you have to read what's going on around you."

Coughlan also touched on the off the pitch benefits for his family in terms of settling into a new culture, and the bonus of Pau's location, while he has had to resurrect his Leaving Cert French.