The South African would arrive at the province following the World Cup.
Munster are a massive move for Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx, and may be willing to move one another international star to help seal the deal.
SportsJOE understands the province have set their sights on securing Marx on a two-season deal, with the hooker arriving in Limerick after his country compete in the World Cup. Munster may have to move on a big contract to make the deal happen, though.
Marx is with Kubota Spears in Japan’s Top League, having moved from Shining Arcs after just a season with them. He was previously with the Lions in Super Rugby, back when South African franchises competed in the competition.
At present, Munster have four hookers in their senior squad – Niall Scannell, Diarmuid Barron, Chris Moore and Scott Buckley. Scannell was a late call-up for Ireland’s tour to New Zealand, last summer, but may miss out on their Six Nations squad as Rónan Kelleher has returned to fitness.
Marx has 50 Test appearances for South Africa and has helped them to World Cup (2019) and Lions Test Series (2021) triumphs. In November, he was named in the front row of the World Rugby ‘Dream Team of the Year’.
Malcolm Marx warms up prior to the Autumn International match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium, in November 2022. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)Malcolm Marx would join Munster’s South African contingent
Should Munster be able to secure the financing, in part from the IRFU but with other investors kicking in, Malcolm Marx would join fellow South Africans RG Snyman, Jean Kleyn and Keynan Knox at Graham Rowntree’s side.
Following the 2019 World Cup, Munster were able to get in Snyman and Damian De Allende for the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons. Former Munster and Springboks centre Jean De Villiers told House of Rugby, in 2020, that he had played a role in getting the two World Cup winners to commit to his old province.
The province retains solid connections in South Africa and initial inquiries as to the availability of Marx were met with a favourable response. Ulster have already signed up his compatriot, and fellow front-rower, Steven Kitshoff for after the World Cup, later this year.
One player that Marx may not get to play with is Malakai Fekitoa. The former All Blacks star, who has switched his Test allegiances to Tonga, arrived in Ireland, last summer, on a two-season deal but the province may opt to move the player on after only one. Johann Van Graan was the man that wanted Fekitoa in but he is now with Bath.
The 31-year-old has played eight times for Munster since his move from Wasps but Antoine Frisch, acquired from Bristol Bears and Irish qualified, has has a greater impact so far this season. Fekitoa, who played with Toulon and Highlanders previously, could return to France if a decision is made to end his deal a season short.
News of a possible Munster move for Malcolm Marx was first reported by Rugbypass, on Saturday afternoon.
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