IRFU Clarify Their Stance On Munster & Jaco Taute

Will Munster be allowed to retain the services of Jaco Taute?

Francis Saili returns for Munster on St. Stephen’s Day for their clash with Leinster at Thomond Park but will his replacement Jaco Taute have to return home? The South African centre was signed as short-term replacement for Saili while he was injured but has had a huge impact on the southern province.

His impact has has such a profound on the province, both on the field and with the development of younger talent, that Rassie Erasmus is not trying to extend his stay beyond the New Year, despite the New Zealander’s return to full fitness.

The problem however is whether or not Ireland and Taute’s club the Stormers will indeed allow him to stay on. One man who seems to hold the power in these cases is David Nucifora, Ireland’s High Performance Director.

Much has been said of Ireland’s policy and how if they allow Taute to stay, it sets a bad precedent as they have already told Ulster that Ruan Pienaar must leave. Consistency is key and Nucifora has today sat down with RTE’s Michael Corcoran to clarify the union’s position.

“Francis is back [in action] shortly. We’ll sit and look at the scenarios that exist down in Munster.

If there isn’t room for Jaco then, unfortunately, he’d have to leave and go back.

Western Province may call him back… we’e not in full control of this… We’ll see how this pans out,” said Nucifora.

Interesting comments, but if we were Munster, we wouldn’t bank on it judging by this response. You can watch the full interview below.