Gaffney closes in on All Black legend Cullen
Gaffney is close to a commitment from the New Zealand star after his representatives met informally with provincial officials this week.
The Munster coach had also eyed up Wallaby winger Andrew Walker as insurance but sources now say the Cullen deal for Munster is 90% certain.
Officials are remaining understandably tight-lipped after the volte face by Wallaby utility back, Chris Latham recently, but the fact that All Black coach John Mitchell has overlooked Cullen and selected Malili Muliaina at full back for today’s clash with Wales has probably helped Munster’s case.
Gaffney, who just completed his first campaign as Munster coach in succession to Declan Kidney, was quick to identify the need for a game-breaker after the province fell in the semi finals of the Heineken Cup this year in Toulouse.
Gaffney said yesterday from his Australian base Cullen was his main target and said he expected news, one way or another, within the next day or so.
“I don’t really want to say too much because there are a lot of issues involved for both players. I would like to sign both of them but I would be very happy with either.
"They are both exceptional players who could bring a lot to the Munster team.
“It’s not just about finding a player to bring Munster another step forward but more about what somebody new might be able to contribute overall.”
The Munster Branch has not actually held any formal negotiations with either player but it is clear that Gaffney, following the acceptance by the IRFU of Latham’s possible arrival, has been given the go-ahead to go shopping. Yesterday the coach was wary of making any predictions.
“We saw what happened with Chris so I can’t really say too much. I discussed the scenario with both players and I can’t see any problems with the IRFU if a deal is done. That would be on the basis that it would be within the financial constraints already discussed.
“In a perfect world I wouldn’t mind if both of the players were willing to come to Ireland But that would be for another day.” Gaffney is due back in Ireland on Monday but may have clinched the Cullen deal before he departs down under.
“As I said, these players are on the shopping list but they each have to weigh up certain things. They will want to know of their chances of making the New Zealand and Australian World Cup squads respectively and we have to consider that and respect their feelings on the matter.
“We should certainly know exactly where we stand within 48 hours.”
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