Front-row extensions James Cronin and Mike Sherry soften BJ Botha blow for Munster

Munster Rugby finally received some good news yesterday when Ireland-capped front-row pair James Cronin and Mike Sherry pledged their future to the struggling province by signing new deals.

Yet, even the lift in morale their decisions to sign three and two-year contract extensions respectively brought, was tempered by news that front-row colleague BJ Botha has been ruled out for the foreseeable future after rupturing anterior cruciate ligaments in his knee during last Saturday’s Champions Cup defeat at Stade Francais.

The retention of Cronin, in particular, will bring some light to Munster, however, as Anthony Foley’s team bid to end a run of six defeats in their last seven games.