Garryowen captain Neil Cronin to join Munster next season

Munster Rugby and the IRFU have confirmed that hooker Mike Sherry and prop Jeremy Loughman have both signed contract extensions, while Garryowen captain and scrum-half Neil Cronin will join the province next season and Dries Swanepoel has joined the group in South Africa with the hopes that the Bulls centre can come into provide short-term cover in midfield.

Garryowen scrum half Cronin, who made four appearances for Munster in the 2014-15 campaign, has signed a one-year contract. The 25-year-old has been in impressive form with Garryowen this season and recently captained the Ireland Clubs team.

His club mate Sherry, who has made 99 appearances for the province since making his debut in 2009, has signed a one-year extension that will keep him at the province until at least June 2019.

A product of the Munster academy, the 29-year-old missed out on the 2016-17 season through injury but has successfully returned to action this season.

Loughman has had his development contract extended until the end of the current season having joined the province on a three-month deal in December 2017.

The prop, who can play loose and tight-head, has made two PRO14 appearances and helped Munster A into the British and Irish Cup quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, with a squad of 30 based in Cape Town, Head Coach Johann van Graan has invited Bulls centre Dries Swanepoel to join the group this week. It is envisaged the 25-year-old will join the province as injury cover on a short-term loan signing, subject to being granted a valid work permit.