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Stephen Archer one of two new Munster deals but record will escape him
By Josh Raisey
Munster tighthead prop Stephen Archer has signed a contract extension with the province alongside centre Alex Nankivell.
The deal for Archer, 36, will run to the end of the season, which will conclude his 16th campaign with the province. It comes after he signed a six-month deal over the summer.
Nankivell's deal, meanwhile, will last a little longer, and will take the 28-year-old's stay to 2027 after arriving from the Chiefs in 2023.
The former All Blacks XV centre made a return from a hip injury on Saturday's 17-10 victory over the Lions at Thomond Park in the United Rugby Championship.
Archer featured from the bench in the victory in what was his sixth appearance of the season and 290th overall for the 2022/23 URC winners.
Only former Connacht flanker John Muldoon has made more provincial appearances than the two-cap Ireland international, 327. Unless he signs another deal taking him into his 17th season at Munster, Archer will fall short of Muldoon's record.
The win over the Lions arrested a three-match losing streak for Munster and saw them climb to 11th in the URC standings. They will now turn their attention to the Investec Champions Cup, where they host Top 14 strugglers Stade Francais before travelling to take on Castres.
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They are team in transition but still in the top 4 and able to hold their position in the top 4, while in transition. The all blacks are in a similar position but are slightly ahead in their own phase. Ireland are way ahead still of the following pack, post top 4. It is hardly a reason to worry yet. We’ve a small pool to pick from, but with excellent coaching at underage level hence there is a steady stream of talent coming through always. The structures are in place with excellent planning from the IRFU. No need to get excited, patience will be needed and the 6 nations will give time for experimentation.
Go to commentsHe does rely on it Icefarrow. The real reason he is so good is because of his vision and anticipation, yes, but thats no good to anyone if you no longer have the speed and acceleration you think you do.
To be clear, like with the last game when he failed to skin the Italian fallback, what he sees in his head no longer matches with the reality of declining speed. A player doesn't automatically alter his instincts as he slows down, they have been trained since a youngster know what he can do with his body. If the body losses that, the mind doesn't, which is why they find it so difficult to adapt imo.
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