Munster sign Paringatai

MUNSTER have signed another New Zealander, ex Maori representative Jake Paringatai, on a short term contract as cover for the injured John O’Sullivan.

Paringatai was recommended to Munster by recent Maori signing Rua Tipoki when it became apparent the province had problems replacing O’Sullivan, who recently had to undergo surgery for a cruciate ligament injury.

O’Sullivan sustained the injury in the first game of the season against the US Eagles in Chicago at the end of August and is not expected to be back in action until the end of March.

Paringatai, a 6’1“, 27-year-old, was a team mate of Tipoki with Canterbury Crusaders in the Super 14 last season, and was on the New Zealand Maori team from 2004 until the Churchill Cup campaign in the US (2006).

He was born in Paraparaumu — another link from there was Christian Cullen on the North Island’s west coast.

Paringatai captained Horrowhenua Kapiti at Schools and U-19 level, while he attended Kapiti College before moving to Dunedin and the Otago Rugby Academy.

During his time in Dunedin he played for the Otago Colts and the Highlanders Development side, but a surplus of loose forwards down south convinced him it was time for change and he moved to Northland where he has remained.

In 2005 he gained overseas experience in Italy with Petrarcha at the end of which he was selected to play for an international All Stars selection against the Italian national side in a prep game for the Six Nations.

His form in the 2006 NPC — he played in every minute of Northland’s Air New Zealand Cup campaign — made the Crusaders sit up and take notice and he was drafted into their squad for the 2007 Super 14 campaign, making his debut against the (Auckland) Blues.

Paringatai is in on a six month contract, subject to medical and fitness clearance and being granted a work permit. He is expected to arrive in this country on Monday and he will be based in Limerick.