Tipoki makes Munster link-up

NEW ZEALAND Maori captain Rua Tipoki teams up with Munster today, and is all set to get medical and work-permit clearance.

Munster don’t expect any last minute hitch following the decision to sign him — on the understanding he was willing to travel to Ireland at this time and not to participate in the Air New Zealand provincial championship.

Four years ago, New Zealand legend Christian Cullen arrived in Ireland late in the season, but had suffered a shoulder injury a week earlier and then had to have re-construction surgery.

Cullen subsequently had an unfortunate list of injuries and the province don’t want a repeat.

Tipoko is highly rated. The 31 year old centre captained the Maori in the recent Churchill Cup competition in England and was one of the beaten finalists’ stand-out players.

He was particularly effective in the Maori victory over Ireland, making the crucial break for a try at an important stage.

After an unforgettable Air New Zealand Cup season with North Harbour in 2006, during which he captained the team to Ranfurly Shield victory, Tipoki moved to Christchurch to take up a contract with Canterbury.

He was subsequently included in the Crusaders squad for the Rebel Sport Super 14 and last started for the Crusaders as centre partner to Casey Laulala in the Super 14 match against the Hurricanes in April.

He played Super 12 with the Highlanders and Auckland Blues, and after a stint in Japan Tipoki returned to New Zealand and was one of the top players in Bay of Plenty’s Ranfurly Shield success, and Air New Zealand NPC top-four performance in 2004.

He was outstanding for the New Zealand Maori against the British and Irish Lions, during a season that saw him captain North Harbour in the Air New Zealand NPC.

Meanwhile the Ospreys (Neath/Swansea) have confirmed that Stefan Terblanche returns to Durban in an attempt to win his 100th cap with the Natal Sharks, before returning to Wales in time for the start of next season.