Du Preez agrees Reds deal

MUNSTER yesterday confirmed that Cheetahs loose head prop Wian du Preez will join the province on a three-month contract.

Preez comes in as cover after Marcus Horan and Dave Ryan were ruled through injury until after Christmas, while Darragh Hurley is also unavailable with a shoulder problem. Du Preez, 27, was called into the Sprinboks’ squad over the weekend and will join Tony McGahan’s squad once his commitment to the Sprinboks’ European tour is complete, subject to obtaining release from the South African Rugby Union, a valid work permit and passing the medical examinations.

Meanwhile Magners League chiefs have confirmed times, dates and venues for the four vital rounds in the first three months of 2010.

“The three-month period at the start of the New Year is going to be vital for those teams wanting to break into the play-off positions,” said Director of Celtic Rugby David Jordan.

“This year’s Magners League is tighter than ever before with only 12 points covering nine clubs and five points splitting league leaders Leinster and the seventh placed Ospreys.

Setanta Ireland will finalise their coverage details this week.

Round 11: January 8: Connacht v NG Dragons, Galway Sportsground, 6.30pm; Ulster v Ospreys, Ravenhill, 7.05pm; Leinster v Glasgow Warriors, RDS, 8pm; Jan 8: Edinburgh v Cardiff Blues, Murrayfield, 6.30pm. Jan 10: Munster v Scarlets, Musgrave Park, 5pm.

Round 12: February 19: Ulster v NG Dragons Ravenhill, 7.05pm; Glasgow Warriors v Cardiff Blues, Firhill Arena, 7.30pm; Munster v Edinburgh, Musgrave Park, 8pm; Feb 20: Leinster v Scarlets, RDS, 6.30pm; Feb 21: Ospreys v Connacht, Liberty Stadium, 5pm.

Round 13: March 5: Scarlets v Ulster, Parc y Scarlets, 7.05pm; Connacht v Glasgow Warriors, Sportsground, 8pm; Mar 6: NG Dragons v Munster, Rodney Parade, 6.30pm; Mar 7: Edinburgh v Ospreys, Murrayfield, 2pm; Cardiff Blues v Leinster, Cardiff City Stadium, 4pm.

Round 14: Mar 26: Cardiff Blues v Ulster, Cardiff City Stadium, 7.05pm; Edinburgh v Scarlets, Murrayfield, 7.30pm; Munster v Glasgow Warriors, Thomond Park, 8pm; Mar 27: Leinster v Connacht, RDS, 4.30pm; NG Dragons v Ospreys, Rodney Parade, 6.30pm.