Munster out-half Tyler Bleyendaal has joined Garryowen as backs coach until the end of the season. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Munster out-half Tyler Bleyendaal has joined Garryowen as backs coach until the end of the season, Independent.ie understands.

The Kiwi, who is currently sidelined with a neck injury, is a highly-regarded figure in the Munster dressing room, and he will lend his support to Garryowen, who are currently in second place in Division 1A of the All-Ireland League.

Bleyendaal has missed a lot of rugby since he joined Munster in 2015, but he always been a key voice behind the scenes and his intellect is valued by both the players and coaches.

The 29-year old is seen as a future full-time coach and Munster are understood to be keen to keep him within their system regardless of what happens following his latest spell out with a troublesome neck issue.

Garryowen are currently 12 points off league leaders Cork Con as they target a home semi-final play-off.

Bleyendaal, who previously captained the New Zealand U-20s, signed a contract extension with Munster last year, which runs until the end of next season.

Johann van Graan is still hoping that he returns to action, but Munster are believed to be lining Bleyendaal up for a future role within the coaching setup, much like Felix Jones was when he was forced to prematurely call time on his playing career.

Bleyendaal has scored 377 points in his 62 appearances since he joined the province five years ago, but he has only played seven times this season, the last of which came against the Ospreys back in November.

Garryowen will return to AIL action on Saturday when they travel north to take on basement side Ballynahinch.

Online Editors