Munster Confirm Two New Signings

Munster Rugby and the IRFU have confirmed the signings of flanker Chris Cloete and lock Gerbrandt Grobler for the province.

Southern Kings and Pumas flanker Chris Cloete has signed a three-year contract to play for Munster, while Gerbrandt Grobler has signed a one-year deal.
 
The 26-year-old Cloete has made 21 appearances for the Port Elizabeth Super Rugby side, scoring six tries, and has enjoyed a standout season during the Kings 2017 campaign.   

Currently with the Pumas, Cloete (pictured below) previously lined out for Western Province in the Currie and Vodacom Cups, and also spent time playing in Sri Lanka.

 
A powerful loose forward that excels at the breakdown, Cloete’s form this season propelled him into the South Africa ‘A’ side where he was instrumental in their 48-28 win against French Barbarians during the June series, scoring two tries.
 
Grobler makes the move from Top 14 club Racing 92 where he played on 20 occasions during the 2016/17 season, including a start against Munster in round 2 of the Champions Cup, and scored five tries.
 
The 25-year-old imposing second row previously represented Western Province in the Currie and Vodacom Cups, and played Super Rugby with the Stormers.
 
While both signings are subject to being granted valid work permits and obtaining medical clearance, Grobler will link up with the Munster squad during pre-season, while Cloete will join the province on completion of his Currie Cup commitments.

Meanwhile, a number of players continue to make good strides in their respective rehab programmes with the Munster squad completing week two of pre-season at the High Performance Centre in UL.

It is hoped that Jean Kleyn (neck) will make a return to on-field action in the coming weeks with Robin Copeland (shoulder) on track for a return to action by the beginning of the season. In overcoming a back injury that has kept him sidelined since May 2016, Mike Sherry has now commenced a gradual reintroduction to on-field training.

Ronan O’Mahony (fibula), Dave O’Callaghan (knee) and Darren O’Shea (shoulder) continue to progress well with their post-op recovery programmes. As a number of senior and Under-20 international representatives are still to return to the senior and Academy squads, a number of club players continue to bolster the training numbers with Cork Constitution’s John Poland becoming the latest club talent to link up with the squad this week.

With injury curtailing his involvement during a one-year Munster development contract last season, second row Academy graduate Sean McCarthy continues to train with the squad during pre-season.
 
Name: Chris Cloete
Position: Flanker
DOB: 15/02/91
Born: East London, South Africa
Height: 5ft 9in
Weight: 98kg
 
Name: Gerbrandt Grobler
Position: Lock
DOB: 06/02/92
Born: Nelspruit, South Africa
Height: 6ft 6in
Weight: 116kg