Munster pull off Cullen signing coup

Munster have pulled off a major coup with the signing of All Black star Christian Cullen on a three-year deal.

The 27-year-old Wellington Express full-back has been capped 58 times by the All Blacks and was an important target for Munster boss Alan Gaffney.

Cullen made his international debut against Samoa in 1996 and holds the distinction of having never been dropped in his All Blacks career in which he has scored a 46 tries.

He is also a record Super 12 try scorer.

Gaffney had last night announced 31 of his 34-man squad for the 2003/04 season, including new signings Shaun Payne from Swansea and ACT Brumbies lock David Pusey, while scrum-half Eoin Reddan and hooker Jerry Flannery rejoined Munster from Connacht.

But the Australian coach had three contracts to fill before Munster launch the defence of their Celtic League title against Leinster on September 6.