IRFU blocked Du Toit's move to Munster

NEWS: Springbok star Pieter-Steph du Toit was set to put pen to paper for Munster before the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) stepped in.

According to reports in Ireland, Munster had provisionally agreed a one-year deal with the 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year. The lucrative deal was believed to be worth more than €600 000 (ZAR 10.5 million).

However, IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora was not willing to approve the deal due to the sweeping financial cuts clubs and players in Ireland are facing because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Munster were in the market for a powerful loose forward after CJ Stander’s shock decision to retire at the end of the current season.

Following the IRFU's decision to block Du Toit's move, Munster signed Jason Jenkins, who was a more "affordable" option.

Jenkins, who can play in the back or second row, is currently playing with Toyota Verblitz in the Japanese Top League. Before that he represented the Bulls over four years, playing with current Munster player and fellow Springbok RG Snyman.

Meanwhile, Du Toit now is expected to sign for Verblitz, who currently have Michael Hooper, Kieran Read, and Willie le Roux in their squad. Former All Blacks boss Steve Hansen is their Director of Rugby.

Source: the42.ie