Cardiff Blues look to fill void left by centre Casey Laulala

Casey Laulala will be leaving Cardiff Blues to join Munster

Blues coach Justin Burnell believes the region have to react positively to the loss of centre Casey Laulala.

New Zealand centre Casey Laulala will be leaving Cardiff Blues at the end of the season to join Munster.

Laulala, who played for Crusaders in the Super 14, has agreed a two-year contract with the Irish province.

"[It's a] massive loss. [He's a] good player in the environment. Munster's gain is certainly our loss," said Burnell.

"But we have to get on with it. We have also got to ensure when we lose one player [Like Laulala] we have to make sure that [someone like] Corey Allen, who was very good up in north Wales [with the Wales Under-20s]. He has to be fast-tracked.

"But let's not forget we have got Gavin Evans, Dafydd Hewitt and Jamie Roberts in the centre position."

Laulala, joined the Blues in 2009 and has scored 14 tries in his 58 appearances for the club, said it was a new challenge for him.

"Munster are a successful team so I am looking forward to joining them and experiencing life in Ireland," said 29-year-old Laulala.

"However, there is still a lot of rugby to be played this season and I am fully focused on doing well for the Blues."

Laulala was the second major signing by Munster, following the capture of another centre, James Downey from Northampton, for next season.