Munster Sign Murphy and Tuitupou

[Gavin]

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_6145212,00.html

Munster have bolstered their back-line for next season with the signings of centre Sam Tuitupou and Ireland winger Johne Murphy.



Tuitupou, who won nine caps for New Zealand, will arrive at Thomond Park from relegated outfit Worcester, while Murphy making the switch from Leicester.


Tuitupou had been offered a new deal with the Warriors despite their relegation, however the former New Zealand U21 captain has decided to move to the former Heineken Cup champions.

The 28-year-old scored 13 tries during his three-year spell at Worcester, having joined the club from the Blues.


Murphy, 25, has spent the past five seasons at Leicester, earning a call up to the Ireland second team in 2008.

Meanwhile Munster have also handed Tommy O'Donnell, Dave Ryan and Duncan Williams senior contracts for next season.

We all generally knew that Munster would sign Murphy but signing Tuitupou is quite a shock to me. Tuitupou is the same sort of player as Mafi, so are we seeing Mafi staying on the wing or moving to the bench as an impact sub?

 

[lynam1104]

Mafi is more effectiv of the bench giving that bit of power in the last 20 mins.

 

[Teh Mite]

Tuitupu?

lol

 

[munstermuffin]

Isn't this weeks old lol
Also Expect Mafi to be retrained over the summer so he can play on wings and at 12 or 13.

 

[Gleision]

Fairplay to Munster they always sign well.Murphy is far from a flash player but he is very solid and reliable and should fit into the Munster ethos very well coming from another very big rugby city.