Munster sign Super Rugby winner Marshall

Irish Rugby Province Munster have announced that they have signed Chiefs Super Rugby hooker Rhys Marshall on a three year deal and South African prop Thomas du Toit on loan.

Marshall has signed a deal with Munster that will keep him playing for the Irish Province until June 2019.

Hooker Marshall has made 22 Super Rugby appearances for the Chiefs since making his debut against the Highlanders in 2013.

Marshall was therefore part of the Chiefs Super Rugby squad that won the team’s second Super Rugby title in his debut year.

Marshall was in action for Taranaki this past weekend.

The 23-year-old is now involved in the Mitre 10 Cup with Taranaki and has made 30 appearances for the province. A former New Zealand U20s player the New Plymouth native will link up with Munster on completion of his Cup commitments, subject to obtaining a valid work permit.

Additionally, Sharks prop Thomas du Toit will join the province on a three month loan agreement, subject to being granted a valid work permit. The 21-year-old, who can play both loose and tight-head, has represented the Barbarians and South Africa “A”, and played in two U20s World Championships.

The Cape Town native is currently involved in the Currie Cup and is expected to arrive in mid-October.

UL Bohemians scrumhalf Cathal Sheridan who completed his time with the province last May returns to the fold in a short-term capacity. After making his debut in February 2013 against Edinburgh Rugby the Sligo-man made 35 Munster appearances and now returns to the squad after signing a three-month contract.

Commenting on the latest signings, Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus said, “In certain positions we had to look at our short-term and long-term options in making sure we had adequate cover. We are about to head into a fully loaded schedule across Europe and the PRO12 and needed to build on our depth in a few key areas so these short term contracts will help in that regard.