Munster Announce Contract Extensions For Three Stars & Medical Joker Signing

Munster Rugby have today confirmed two-year contract extensions for back rower Jack O’Donoghue and wingers Ronan O’Mahony and Alex Wootton.

The contract extensions will see Jack O’Donoghue, Ronan O’Mahony and Alex Wootton remain with the province until at least June 2019, with all three products of the Greencore Munster Rugby Academy.

Meanwhile, on the injury front, it has been confirmed that Dave Foley requires surgery for an ongoing wrist complaint. The Tipperary lock will undergo the procedure in the coming week.

With Jean Kleyn already ruled out due to a neck injury, the additional blow to the second row ranks sees Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus call on the services of Sharks lock Jean Deysel on a three-month loan.

The 32-year-old Deysel, who has made seven appearances for South Africa and over 70 Super Rugby appearances, will join the province later this month, subject to being granted a valid work permit.

Commenting on today’s announcements, Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus said:

“It’s great to see players who have come through our Academy system commit their future to Munster. Jack and Ronan are among our standout players this season, and while injury has kept Alex sidelined of late, he really impressed when opportunity presented itself earlier in the season and is an exciting prospect. It’s good to have all three on board as we continue to build our squad depth.

“On the lock situation, it’s always a challenge when we have two of our experienced players ruled out through injury, and we have a third, Mark Chisholm, only back training after a year out from the game due to concussion.

“We needed to bolster the squad in that area with the trio unavailable, especially as we enter the business end of both the Champions Cup and PRO12. Jean (Deysel) comes with the talent and experience to hit the ground running at this busy period. He will be a valuable addition to the squad.”

[IrishRugby]