Botha set for Munster switch

MUNSTER are moving into position to sign former Springbok tight-head prop BJ Botha following the announcement that he is to leave Ulster at the end of this season.

The 31-year-old South African is to leave Ravenhill at the end of a three-year deal, the province announced yesterday.

While there was no official comment from Munster last night, it is understood the two-time Heineken Cup champions have made Botha a key target as they bid to solve what has become a problem area of late in the front row.

With Tony Buckley leaving Munster and heading to Aviva Premiership side Sale Sharks at the end of the campaign, Tony McGahan will be left with 37-year-old veteran John Hayes and New Zealand-born import Peter Borlase, while Stephen Archer is on a development contract.

Munster have also been linked with a move for Cork native Mike Ross, who has starred for Leinster this season and will make his third Six Nations start for Ireland on Sunday against Scotland.

Botha’s availability puts him top of the list of Munster’s options, although the link comes as he recovers from an elbow injury in an effort to be passed fit for Ulster’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Northampton Saints in April.