Botha gets six-month Munster deal

Munster’s plans for next season have taken further shape after the IRFU approved its bid to re-sign former Springbok tighthead prop BJ Botha.

Botha and fellow front-rowers Niall Scannell and Kevin O’Byrne all signed contract extensions with the province, with the veteran South African penning a six-month deal that will see him through the autumn World Cup to next December. Scannell, 24, signed a two-year full contract, while fellow hooker O’Byrne, 23, signed a one-year development contract having joined the province from UL Bohs this season.

These will be seen as important signings given the injury-enforced retirement of Damien Varley last month and Mike Sherry’s season-and-a half long absence.