Munster swoop for South African prop Du Preez

DISAPPOINTED Springbok hopeful Wian du Preez will get a chance to play in Europe this winter after all.

The Cheetahs prop has signed a three-month deal with Munster, following the news that Marcus Horan will be out of action at least until the new year.

Du Preez was the form loose-head in the Currie Cup this season and was part of the Cheetahs’ front row that was considered the best scrummaging force in the competition.

However, he was a shock exclusion from the Springbok squad for the end-of-year tour.

But Munster, in the midst of a front-row crisis, swooped to sign the bustling 27-year-old and are delighted to have sealed a deal that should ease some of their current problems.

Munster coach Tony McGahan expressed hope that the South African “can fill a gap for us”.

The Free State player yesterday confirmed the deal had been signed and described an opportunity to play with Munster as particularly exciting.

“It should be a great experience. In the last three years, Munster have won the European Cup twice; it’s great to be getting involved with one of Europe’s powerhouses,” he said.

Du Preez’s signing is as a result of an irregularly used law within the ERC (European Cup Rugby) guidelines which allow clubs to select an additional player to replace one of the club’s squad, provided they have a minimum three-month contract.

Horan is due back in the new year after undergoing minor surgery in Dublin on Friday to correct an irregular heartbeat.

“The update regarding Marcus Horan is that it has been confirmed that he will not be available for the Guinness Series games in November,” said the IRFU in a statement.

“It is expected that he will be available to Munster and Ireland after the New Year.”