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Munster Improve Squad by Signing Chris Cloete and Gerbrandt Grobler

Munster Improve Squad by Signing Chris Cloete and Garbrandt Grobler – Cloete, who is 26 years old has made 21 appearances for the Port Elizabeth Super Rugby side, scoring six tries, and has enjoyed a standout season during the Kings 2017 campaign.

Munster Improve Squad by Signing Chris Cloete and Gerbrandt Grobler

By I Love Limerick Correspondent Jordan Mac Cormaic

Munster Rugby and the IRFU have confirmed the signing of two South African players in flanker Chris Cloete and lock Gerbrandt Grobler.


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Southern Kings and Pumas flanker Chris Cloete has signed a three-year contract while Gerbrandt Grobler has signed a one-year deal.

Cloete, who is 26 years old has made 21 appearances for the Port Elizabeth Super Rugby side, scoring six tries, and has enjoyed a standout season during the Kings 2017 campaign.

Currently with the Pumas, Cloete previously lined out for Western Province in the Currie and Vodacom Cups and also spent time playing in Sri Lanka.

A powerful loose forward that excels at the breakdown, Cloete’s form this season propelled him into the South African ‘A’ side where he was instrumental in the 48-28 win against French Barbarians during the June series, scoring two tries.

Grobler makes the move from Top 14 side Racing 92 where he played on 20 occasions during the 2016/17 season, including a start against Munster in round 2 of the Champions Cup, and scored five tries.

While Grobler arrives at Munster from Paris, Donnacha Ryan has moved in the other direction this summer, joining up with his former team-mate Ronan O’Gara at Top 14 side Racing 92.

Twenty-five-year-old imposing second row Grobler previously represented Western Province in the Currie and Vodacom Cups and played Super Rugby with the Stormers.

While both signings are subject to being granted valid work permits and obtaining medical clearance, Grobler will link up with the squad during pre-season while Cloete will join the province on completion of his Currie Cup commitments.

Uncapped at the national level, the move means that Cloete will be unavailable for the Springboks until 2019, in line with SA Rugby’s new overseas-based player policy.

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