Rassie Erasmus hopes to extend Jaco Taute deal

Rassie Erasmus believes keeping Springbok centre Jaco Taute at Munster beyond his short-term contract could be a possibility.

Despite the numerous obstacles which suggest keeping Taute, 25, in Ireland beyond January 1 is little more than a pipe dream, not least the South African’s contractual commitment to Super Rugby franchise the Stormers and the IRFU’s player succession policy, director of rugby Erasmus on Saturday did not rule out trying to turn ambition into reality.

Taute, signed in September as short-term cover for injured All Black Francis Saili and new signing Sam Arnold, has made his presence felt in the Munster midfield, bringing balance in his centre partnership with Rory Scannell and showing his instinct for the tryline with five tries in nine appearances. Two of those came in the 38-0 win over Leicester at Thomond Park on Saturday, underlining Taute’s contribution to Munster’s resurgence this season and more than compensating for Saili’s absence following two separate shoulder operations during the summer.