Munster sign Garryowen centre after standout season

Munster have announced the signing of Garryowen centre Bryan Fitzgerald on a three-month deal ahead of the new season.

The 25-year-old has joined Graham Rowntree's squad after a standout season in the All-Ireland League Division 1B as they earned promotion to Division 1A.

Fitzgerald scored two tries as he vice-captained an AIL Select XV against Munster A in May.

The centre becomes the fifth Munster signing ahead of next season and the tenth new addition overall. Fitzgerald and fellow midfield signing Tom Farrell will help fill the void left by Antoine Frisch, who has joined Toulon.

Former Connacht centre Farrell is one of three players to switch provinces, with teammate Diarmuid Kilgallen and Ulster flyhalf Billy Burns both moving to Thomond Park as well.

Lyon's South African wing Thaakir Abrahams is the final new signing in the squad, with Munster confirming the recruitment of the 25-year-old in May.

Tony Butler, Ethan Coughlan, Mark Donnelly, Edwin Edogbo and Brian Gleeson will also join the senior squad from the academy. The quintet have already made 52 Munster appearances between them.

No8 Gleeson is fresh from captaining Ireland U20 to a fourth-place finish at the World Rugby U20 Championship.

Munster reconvened on Monday for preseason training, with the new season beginning in September, although their Ireland internationals are still absent.

The 2023 United Rugby Championship winners get their new season underway against Connacht at Thomond Park on September 21, with their second all-Ireland clash coming in round four against Leinster at Croke Park.