Munster step up bid to sign Bowman

MUNSTER have stepped up their bid to sign former Australian international second-row Tom Bowman.

Bowman has already met Munster officials after a proposed deal with English club Worcester fell apart.

Bowman is now number one on Munster’s shopping list as the Celtic League looms this weekend but coach Alan Gaffney has another player on stand-by should he fail to get Bowman.

Bowman, capped 16 times for the Wallabies, is 28 and would be deemed a big capture for Munster, who are struggling with just two fit front-line second-row forwards in the absence of injured David Pusey.

It is the one area of weakness facing the province as they prepare for the Celtic League.

Bowman played with Viadana in Italy last year and was set to sign for Worcester until a disagreement about personal terms soured negotiations.

It is believed Gaffney was interested in signing Bowman but resisted because it appeared he was headed for England.

When the deal fell through, Bowman travelled to Ireland and discussed his future with Gaffney and officials of the Munster Branch.

He also comes recommended by Jim Williams, who played alongside him at international level, including once in the 1999 World Cup against USA at Thomond Park.

A final decision on the last remaining place in Munster’s squad will be made within the next 24 hours, dependent on Bowman’s willingness to join the ranks.

If for some reason he doesn’t come to Munster, Gaffney will immediately offer the last place in the squad to another, as yet unnamed player.

Meanwhile, there is annoyance in the Munster camp with what was viewed as unwarranted criticism of former All Black Christian Cullen in the Sunday Times at the weekend.

Although coach Gaffney did not respond, he is believed to be angry that Cullen was singled out for criticism when he is only settling into the Munster regime after a shoulder injury kept him out for much of last season.

Munster have played twice this season with one win and one defeat.

Gaffney believes the best is yet to come from Cullen after the former All Black was able to engage in his first pre-season training camp.