Munster want to add to their out-half options for next season by recruiting Springbok Johan Goosen from Racing 92.

A former team-mate of Johnny Sexton who has worked under Munster legend Ronan O'Gara for the last two seasons, the 23-year-old has spent two years at the Parisian club. He has a year to run on his contract but is likely to leave a season early after falling behind Dan Carter and Remi Tales in the pecking order.

Goosen has largely been used as a No 15 by the French club given their options at pivot. He has been linked with a return to South Africa with Western Province, but looks more likely to move to Ireland.

The province still need to convince IRFU performance director David Nucifora of the merits of recruiting another overseas signing, but the need for more options in such a key position is clear after Ian Keatley's poor season and Tyler Bleyendaal's run of injuries.

One switch that has seen Nucifora's approval is that of highly rated Ireland U-20 centre Sam Arnold to Munster from Ulster on a two-year deal. He has played 11 times for the senior team already, but finds his route to a centre berth blocked by a slew of internationals and will have a clearer path to a starting berth at the southern province.

Munster have also secured hooker Duncan Casey on a two-year contract in the latest of their retentions, while academy second-row Sean McCarthy has signed a one-year development deal.

Meanwhile, Leinster and the IRFU have a fight on their hands to keep Cian Healy on board after it emerged that the loosehead has been approached by Worcester, who have offered him a three-year-deal.

Indo Sport