Two props signed short term as Munster turn to home and South Africa

Struggling Munster have shored up their front row by signing two props – a former Junior Bok pick and a recent Ireland club international – on short-term deals ahead of the resumption of their season at home to the Lions in the URC on November 30.

The Irish province, who got rid of head coach Graham Rowntree last month after just two wins in six league matches this season, are down a number of front row options due to injury and interim boss Ian Costello has now signed Dian Bleuler from the Sharks in South Africa and Conor Bartley from Limerick club Young Munster.

Bleuler packs down at loosehead while Bartley can play both sides of the scrum. A statement read: “Munster and the IRFU are pleased to confirm the signings of props Dian Bleuler and Conor Bartley on short-term contracts.

“Loosehead prop Bleuler joins Munster from the Hollywoodbets Sharks. The 25-year-old, who has represented the South Africa U20s, started out his professional career with Western Province and the Stormers.

“In 2021, he joined the Sharks and has played for the Durban-based outfit in the Currie Cup, URC and Champions Cup in the past number of seasons – including the October 2023 URC clash against Munster at Thomond Park.

“The 29-year-old Young Munster prop Bartley, who can play on both sides of the scrum, played his schools rugby with Castletroy College before a one-season spell with Garryowen.

“Over the past 10 years, he has been a cornerstone of the Young Munster front row, winning three consecutive Munster Senior Cup titles between 2021 and 2023. He also represented the Ireland Clubs side against Portugal A in March 2024.

“As part of Munster’s recruitment and succession planning, AIL players are continually tracked and observed by Munster staff throughout the domestic season and Bartley’s performances resulted in this exciting opportunity.”