Tuitupou drafted in by Munster

FORMER All Black Sam Tuitupou has been signed by Munster as a replacement for the departing Springbok Jean de Villiers.

Tuitupou, 28, has been on the province’s radar once it was confirmed the World Cup winning centre was returning home at the end of the season. He has inked a one year deal.

Manager Shaun Payne described Tuitupou as “a quality player who enjoyed a distinguished career with the Auckland Blues before joining English Premiership League side Worcester Warriors for the past three years. It is always a blow to lose a player of Jean’s standard but we believe Sam will do a good job or us.”

Tuitupou stands 5 ft 9 ins but weighs in at 14 stone 4 lbs and was known as “The Pocket Rocket” in his three years with Worcester.

The Kiwi enjoyed a hugely successful career in his junior days, captaining New Zealand to U19 and U21 world titles and later figured on two Auckland Blues Air New Zealand League winning sides and also in the Super 14s.

His friendship with Doug Howlett, Lifeimi Mafi and Nick Williams played a key part in his decision to come to Munster.

While Tuitupou has a distinguished cv, it is reasonable to assume that his contract won’t be on the same level as de Villiers and that could leave some spare cash in the kitty for one or two more signings. While refusing to elaborate any further on an issue that will be resolved over the next three weeks or so, Payne hinted that the players Munster have in mind are both forwards.

He also revealed wing-forward Tommy O’Donnell, prop Dave Ryan and scrum-half Duncan Williams have all been promoted to full-time senior contracts. Those moving on from academy to full-time development contracts are Stephen Archer, Ian Nagle, Dave Foley, Peter O’Mahony, Scott Deasy, Danny Barnes and Declan Cusack.