Gaffney expects to add two more players to squad

MUNSTER coach Alan Gaffney is keeping his cards close to his chest with regard to the final shape of his Munster squad, but he is set to sign two more players to complete the line-up for next season within the next seven days.

Negotiations are going on with a prop forward from overseas who is eligible to play for Ireland and will, therefore, not affect the balance of the squad. He is also talking to a similarly eligible back, either a centre or winger. "We hope to have these matters sorted out within the next week or so," said Gaffney yesterday.

The coach has, of course, major problems in the front row area due to the current status of banned hooker Frank Sheahan. "We only have four props signed for next season and we have to continue our negotiations with another. The Sheahan situation is something we didn't bargain for but I am happy that it is one that will be resolved before too long. I am happy that Frank is innocent of the charges made against him and so too are the players. We are just hoping that there will be a very quick solution to the problem that exists at the moment."