Munster 2017 -2018

[Dave Cahill]

New season, new foreign players for Munster...

Munster Rugby and the IRFU are pleased to confirm the signing of flanker Chris Cloete and lock Gerbrandt Grobler.
Southern Kings and Pumas flanker Chris Cloete has signed a three-year contract while Gerbrandt Grobler has signed a one-year deal.

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 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 African ‘A’ side where he was instrumental in the 48-28 win against French Barbarians during the June series, scoring two tries.

Grobler makes the move from Top 14 side 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 squad during preseason while Cloete will join the province on completion of his Currie Cup commitments.

Name: Chris Cloete
Position: Flanker
DOB: 15/02/91
Born: East London, South Africa
Height: 5’ 9”
Weight: 98kg

Name: Gerbrandt Grobler
Position: Lock
DOB: 06/02/92
Born: Nelspruit, South Africa
Height: 6’ 6”
Weight: 116kg



5'9"?

[mildlyinterested]

Grobler has been banned already for 2 years for using steroids.

Both players uncapped and therefore eligible to play for Ireland 3 years after they arrive.

Likely 4 south africans starting in the munster pack next season.

[Dave Cahill]

Not a typo, the guy is 5'9" Now thats not a problem, Neil Back claimed to be 5'10, but its a definite shift from the traditional munster flanker who was solid beef from crown to sole. Looks like a player who was signed by a coach that won't be there for a gameplan that may not be used.

[simonokeeffe]

Not a typo, the guy is 5'9" Now thats not a problem, Neil Back claimed to be 5'10, but its a definite shift from the traditional munster flanker who was solid beef from crown to sole. Looks like a player who was signed by a coach that won't be there for a gameplan that may not be used.

Also wtf is wrong with Conor Oliver? He has the ability to overtake TOD. JOD is there too
Both were obviously signed by Rassie but a 7 was not what they needed

Whatever about needing/being allowed another foreign lock the flanker is mystifying in same context

[mildlyinterested]

3 Saffer teams in the Pro 12 next season will be great.

[mildlyinterested]

Not a typo, the guy is 5'9" Now thats not a problem, Neil Back claimed to be 5'10, but its a definite shift from the traditional munster flanker who was solid beef from crown to sole. Looks like a player who was signed by a coach that won't be there for a gameplan that may not be used.

5'9 and nearly 100kg.. I'd say he is solid beef.

[johng]

.
Southern Kings and Pumas flanker Chris Cloete has signed a three-year contract.

A powerful loose forward that excels at the breakdown, Cloete’s form this season propelled him into the South African ‘A’ side where he was instrumental in the 48-28 win against French Barbarians during the June series, scoring two tries.

The bold bits don't add up unless the A side is not the designated 2nd team for SA.

[mildlyinterested]

.
Southern Kings and Pumas flanker Chris Cloete has signed a three-year contract.

A powerful loose forward that excels at the breakdown, Cloete’s form this season propelled him into the South African ‘A’ side where he was instrumental in the 48-28 win against French Barbarians during the June series, scoring two tries.

The bold bits don't add up unless the A side is not the designated 2nd team for SA.

Only counts if they play another 2nd tier side. Franch Baba's is not their 2nd side.

[johng]

Thought Munster would sign a TH. They are a bit screwed there more than the other 2 rows.

Also that makes 5 NIQs (Only Taute is NIE) for this season. One more than Ulster and Leinster currently.

I thought they were limiting it to 4 in total? Perhaps leniency before the 3 year project loophole closes?

[mildlyinterested]

Thought Munster would sign a TH. They are a bit screwed there more than the other 2 rows.

Also that makes 5 NIQs (Only Taute is NIE) for this season. One more than Ulster and Leinster currently.

I thought they were limiting it to 4 in total? Perhaps leniency before the 3 year project loophole closes?

Apparently a project TH is on his way.

[CiaranIrl]

Thought Munster would sign a TH. They are a bit screwed there more than the other 2 rows.

Also that makes 5 NIQs (Only Taute is NIE) for this season. One more than Ulster and Leinster currently.

I thought they were limiting it to 4 in total? Perhaps leniency before the 3 year project loophole closes?

Apparently a project TH is on his way.

It's so hard to guess what country that TH will be from, isn't it?

[johng]

Thought Munster would sign a TH. They are a bit screwed there more than the other 2 rows.

Also that makes 5 NIQs (Only Taute is NIE) for this season. One more than Ulster and Leinster currently.

I thought they were limiting it to 4 in total? Perhaps leniency before the 3 year project loophole closes?

Apparently a project TH is on his way.

It's so hard to guess what country that TH will be from, isn't it?

No way! I thought the 9 niqs a season was a once off and they had to toe the line with the rest of us now.

[simonokeeffe]

Damn that change in residency laws is confusing

Am reliably informed TOD is going to be playing 6 when POM isnt available next season

Heres a paranoid thought: Cloete pulls a Kane Douglas as Rassie wants him for Boks

[fourthirtythree]

Not a typo, the guy is 5'9" Now thats not a problem, Neil Back claimed to be 5'10, but its a definite shift from the traditional munster flanker who was solid beef from crown to sole. Looks like a player who was signed by a coach that won't be there for a gameplan that may not be used.

Looks like a Strauss style flanker to me, carries hard, Excellent leg drive in the tackle, and a pest on the floor.

Winning ball at ruck time is always a handy tool to have in the locker, no matter the coach. I was only thinking that Irish rugby is a bit short of specialist ruck cheats. With omahony at 6 they arent going to be going to TOD in the lineout anyway.

[Dave Cahill]

Its not 'The Munster Way' though, is it. Munster players don't play on the deck. And coaches who don't play 'The Munster Way' soon find themselves experiencing a tickle 'twixt the shoulders!

Munster are the hardest team to read of all the Pro12 teams going into the new season, because we simply don't know how good they actually were last season and how much was external. On occasion they looked pretty mediocre - in all three games they played in the Aviva they were quite poor, for example

[brenno]

3 Saffer teams in the Pro 12 next season will be great.

Gonna have to bring Afrikaans onto the Limerick school curriculum soon. Seriously though don't know this guy but A 5'9" flanker!!!

[mildlyinterested]

Embarrassing for Irish rugby that the 2nd row signing was allowed, he is an admitted drug cheat.

[leinsterforever]

3 Saffer teams in the Pro 12 next season will be great.

Gonna have to bring Afrikaans onto the Limerick school curriculum soon. Seriously though don't know this guy but A 5'9" flanker!!!

What's the problem? He's an openside. Similar to Armitage or Brussow in the way he plays the game, I'd imagine.

[neiliog93]

Steroid use in underage/under-20 South African rugby is incredibly widespread. They're available over the counter in pharmacies over there. Still, sets a poor standard to bring a guy with a doping record in.

[RAILWAY1]

Let's not get carried away here the guy was found to guilty and served his time, no doubt he will be asked to pee in the bottle more than any other player for quite a while and no problem with that but ease up on the witch hunt or you will have the so called Munster fans up in arms.
As someone who is involved with youth rugby in Munster I feel a bit uneasy at the numbers of imports we seem to be bringing in and wonder what is happening with the good quality players coming through the youths system, where are they disappearing to