Munster had registered ‘big’ interest in the Springbok international.

Early last week, a Pundit Arena source revealed to us that Munster had initiated a move for Springbok international tight head, Vincent Koch.

Although the province are badly in need of a player to replace the departing BJ Botha, it would appear that Munster’s plans have been scuppered by the IRFU’s policy on the signing of foreign players. A facet highlighted by our source.

The IRFU’s regulations do not allow the Irish provinces replace a non Irish qualified player, with another NIQ in the same position. Consequently, under such rules, Munster are unable to replace BJ Botha with another foreign tight head.

However, despite such regulations, we can confirm that Munster did in fact initiated a move for Springbok international, Vincent Koch.

When we contacted Koch’s agent, he told us that Munster did register ‘big interest’ in the player, but ‘then all of a sudden just stopped negotiations’.

Although he told us that Munster had not formally started negotiations ‘with figures’, the province did register ‘big interest and then suddenly no calls or emails were returned’.

Given Munster’s well documented trouble at the scrum this season, a player of Koch’s ability is certainly necessary. The fact that Koch has also reportedly attracted the interest of Toulon, illustrates not only his talent, but the esteem in which he is held.

Consequently, after the storm of controversy that reigned following Munster’s approach for Stephen Moore late last year, supporters will once again be asking questions of the IRFU and their policy regarding the signing of non Irish qualified players.

Alan Drumm, Pundit Arena

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