Such is the nature of contract season that Munster head coach Johann van Graan got about 16 minutes to enjoy CJ Stander’s contract announcement.
Down at the province’s University of Limerick headquarters, on December 21, van Graan was delighted to have Stander’s contract extension – rather than questions about his future – to talk about.
As the media session wound down, the South African was then asked what area Munster needed to strengthen next season. In the job a wet month, van Graan suggested that they could do with getting in another capable fullback to replace the gap being left by Simon Zebo this summer.
Munster have already secured the second row services of Tadhg Beirne, from Scarlets, but Zebo leaving – and Stander being signed to a full funded IRFU central contract – means they have a bit of wiggle room to get someone else in.
The prospect of the province shopping for another fullback was discussed by Andy McGeady, myself and former Munster centre James Downey on the latest episode of The Hard Yards [from 19:20 below].
Tiernan O’Halloran, as he has been for the past three seasons, found himself linked to a Munster move late last year but signed a contract extension with Connacht before they rumbled Ulster at The Sportsground.
Downey believes van Graan has the long-term answer right in front of him. He says:
“Would they not look at Andrew Conway as their number one fullback? They’ve some good wingers and Keith Earls is coming back in.”
“Conway is a lot more involved in the game at 15,” adds Downey, “and he can still slot in on the wing as well. Once he gets his hands on the ball he’s dangerous.”
Indeed, Munster do see well stocked for wingers, with Alex Wootton, Darren Sweetnam and Ronan O’Mahony to keep Earls company. Versatile Ireland U20 back Stephen Fitzgerald will be hoping to impress his talents on the Munster coaching staff in the coming months too.
Interestingly, a full-back option van Graan could look at is JJ Hanrahan. The Kerry native has struggled for form, and game-time, since returning to challenge Ian Keatley and Tyler Bleyendaal for the 10 jersey. Hanrahan has lined out at 15 for his province before and this could be a path worth pursuing.
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