Rassie Erasmus is a straight shooter. More often than not, he says it like he sees it.
The South African has done a fantastic job since coming in as Munster’s first ever director of rugby. He recruited well, backed young players, brought in Jacques Nienaber to tighten up the defence and worked hard with Anthony Foley on getting Munster’s sense of identity back.
Erasmus has guided Munster to second [with a game in hand] in the Guinness PRO12 standings and top of their Champions Cup pool. All of this has been done with a team displaying a remarkable spirit and an entire province coping with the tragic loss of Foley.
Erasmus was granted a contract extension for South African centre Jaco Taute but he looks to be going green with his 2017/18 transfer targets.
JJ Hanrahan is set to return from Northampton Saints and former Ulster centre Chris Farrell is in line with a move from Top 14 side Grenoble.
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Erasmus is also keen on bringing Racing 92 scrum-half James Hart to Thomond Park this summer. Hart spent four seasons with Bernard Jackman’s Grenoble and moved to Racing last summer.
Speaking with the press at Munster’s University of Limerick training base on Monday, Erasmus was refreshingly forthcoming when asked about Farrell and Hart. He said:
“We are talking to a few Irish-qualified guys. Those two we did talk to and we are busy with some of them, and even another two guys.
“But sometimes for a player on that side, just by speculating before anything is done, dusted and definite, sometimes it can ruin a guy’s opportunities there.
“Definitely not finalised and the moment we get done, or if gets done, we will make an announcement on Chris and on James.”
For Erasmus to speak so openly about both men would suggest their moves are at an advanced stage.
Deals would seem to be on the table so it is just a matter of the players committing to the Munster cause. More competition for red, and possibly green, jerseys.
Rather than an Irish exodus, the talent looks to be coming back from foreign shores.
