Gloucester call-up for Meath man Monahan

Gloucester have added Meath man Shane Monahan to their Heineken Cup squad for Saturday’s meeting with Munster.

Monahan, who two seasons ago scored 11 tries for Rotherham Titans in the Championship, was subsequently signed by Gloucester. He had played with Leinster Academy and Connacht but the 26-year-old failed to nail down a full-time contract. This season the man who learned his trade at Boyne RFC has started 10 games for them as a winger or centre. He replaces Fijian back row Akapusi Qera who signed for Toulouse on New Year’s Day in their Heineken Cup squad.

Monahan was part of the same Ireland U20s Six Nations Grand Slam winning side as Keith Earls and Cian Healy.

Meanwhile, Leinster have also added to their squad, with 22-year-old hooker James Tracy replacing Lote Tuqiri. The Australian winger’s three-month contract was not extended by the IRFU after it emerged Tuqiri, who is married with two children, had an affair with reality TV star Danielle Meagher.

It is understood Leinster coach Matt O’Connor had been keen to extend the former Wallaby star’s three-month contract.

Reports in Australia suggest Tuqirihas reconciled with his wife but he has not signed a new contract with another club as yet.