Munster strongly linked with Crusaders prop Jager

Graham Rowntree's men appear t have beaten off Leinster interest to seal deal for tight head

ON THE MOVE: Oli Jager in action in the Super Rugby tie against the Western Force in Christchurch.

MUNSTER are strongly linked with Irish-qualified Crusaders prop Oli Jager, who has been granted a release from his contract in New Zealand, say reports.

The tight-head has played over 50 top level games with the all-conquering Crusaders over the past six season. The Super Rugby champions are now coached by former Munster boss Rob Penney, who replaced All Black-bound Scott Robertson this season.

Penney confirmed Thursday that Jaeger – who grew up in Kildare and won a Leinster Schools Cup with Blackrock College a decade ago – had requested a release from his contract, citing an opportunity to play ‘elsewhere’.

“We are in the process of working through that and, ultimately, that will probably be honoured,” Penney said. “I can’t elaborate too much...you will put two and two together, and he will come out with a release very shortly,” he said when asked if Jager, who hails from Ireland, was returning home.

Of course, he may also be looking at an offer from Leinster who may be needing a replacement for Clermont-bound Michael Ala’alatoa if French media reports are to be believed.

However sources indicate that Munster are in the driving seat to get an agreement over the line. At present Munster have the options of 35 year old John Ryan, who ironially is just returning from a Super Rugby stint with the Chiefs, Stephen Archer (also 35), while neither Roman Salanoa and Keynan Knox look long-term options.

The former Ireland U18 front row certainly impressed Ronan O’Gara with his impressive rise through the ranks in New Zealand, first with Canterbury in the Mitre 10 Cup before being signed up by the Crusaders.

He was due to play for New Zealand A against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium last year but cried off with injury.