MUNSTER ARE SET to announce the signing of South Africa international Jaco Taute ahead of the new season.
The three-times capped Stormers and Western Province centre/fullback is expected to join on a short-term contract initially, following injuries to Munster midfield pair Francis Saili and Sam Arnold.
The deal was first reported by Netwerk24 in South Africa, and sources in Ireland have now confirmed to The42 that Taute will make the move to Munster.
Taute will be the province’s second addition from South Africa this season, with new director of rugby Rassie Erasmus having lured second row Jean Kleyn to Ireland from the Stormers and Western Province on a three-year deal.
25-year-old Taute won all three of his Springbok caps in 2012, but has struggled with injuries in recent years. He made just four starts for the Stormers in Super Rugby this year, all of them at fullback.
Taute’s three international appearances came in the 13 shirt, however, and it’s in midfield that he is expected to offer experience and physical power to Munster over the coming months, as he looks to regain his best form.
The South African started at outside centre in the Boks’ 16-12 win over Ireland in Dublin in November 2012, facing the likes of Simon Zebo, Keith Earls and Conor Murray.
Taute has also played in the 12 shirt for Western Province, the Stormers and the Lions, where the ex-South Africa U20 international first came through in professional rugby.
Speaking last week, Erasmus had indicated that he may wait until after Munster’s two pre-season games to make any move in the transfer market following Saili’s shoulder setback.
Cian Bohane and the on-trial Colm O’Shea started Friday night’s 17-0 victory over Zebre in Waterford in midfield, with Dan Goggin and Shane Daly appearing off the bench, while the province’s second friendly comes against Worcester in Cork this Friday.
Munster told The42 that they don’t comment on speculation in relation to any player.
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