Munster sign Cardiff forward

Munster have announced the signing of 26-year-old Cardiff Blues utility forward Robin Copeland.

Copeland will join the province on a two-year contract starting in July 2014.

The Wexford-born back-row is a product of the Leinster academy and moved to England to play with Championship side Plymouth Albion in 2010 before making the move to a Rotherham Titans side captained by Sean Dougall in 2011, where he scored 11 tries in 20 games.

As his impressive form continued he made the move to Cardiff Blues in 2012 and has played 37 times for the Welsh side, scoring six tries.

Most recently Copeland was man of the match in the Blues' 19-15 victory over defending Heineken Cup champions Toulon in October just days before his 26th birthday.

Munster Coach Rob Penney said: "We've seen Robin in action first hand and we've always been hugely impressed by his potential.

"From his experience in playing a number of positions he brings a great deal of versatility and we believe he will be a great addition to the squad. He will add value to a highly competitive area of our game."