Prodigal son returns as Munster confirm three brilliant signings

Munster rugby have confirmed three new signings and six contract extensions.

The Irish province have snapped up Chris Farrell, JJ Hanrahan and James Hart  for next season, who will join on two-year deals. Farrell and Harte will head to Thomond Park from their respective Top 14 sides, Grenoble and Racing 92, while Hanrahan is returning after a two-season stint at Premiership side Northampton Saints. Farrell is in his third season with Grenoble where he has racked up 10 tries in 70 appearances. The 23-year-old is a former Ireland U20s player, and made his professional rugby debut with Ulster. Scrumhalf Hart has made 12 appearances with Racing this season. Munster fans will recognise him as a replacement in Saturday’s Champions Cup encounter at Thomond Park. The 25-year-old was a teammate of Farrell's at Grenoble, where he made 60 appearances before moving to Racing. 24-year-old Hanrahan has played 30 times for the Saints in the last two years, lining out at centre and flyhalf. Prior to joining the Premiership club, he had some success at Munster. He claimed the Golden Boot in the 2013/14 PRO12 season after finishing up the campaign with an 88.71% place kick conversion rate. The province also confirmed that Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell, Rory Scannell, Tyler Bleyendaal, Duncan Williams and Darren Sweetnam all signed contract extensions, Commenting on the new signings Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus said

“I’ve always indicated our intention to recruit Irish qualified players where and when possible so to secure the young trio of Farrell, Hanrahan and Hart is great for the province and Irish rugby in general.  In addition to being hugely talented they bring a wealth of knowledge with their combined experiences from playing abroad and this will help with our overall squad development.”