Munster close in on Kiwi bad-boy Tipoki

MUNSTER are closing on New Zealand Maori captain Rua Tipoki — despite the inside centre’s disciplinary problems.

The 2006 Heineken Cup winners have had a frustrating summer in their bid to bolster the squad for a renewed tilt at European honours next season.

However, they are prepare to gamble on the talent of Tipoki, of the Canterbury Crusaders, to fill the void left by the return to his native South Africa of Trevor Halstead.