Legend Lima To Link Up With Munster

Samoan legend Brian Lima – a try scorer for the South in last week’s IRB Rugby Aid match – has been added to the Munster squad, ahead of Thursday’s Heineken Cup player registration deadline.

The 32-year-old utility back – who made his Test debut against Wales in 1991 – will join the province in the next two weeks, penning a short-term deal for the remainder of the season.

Samoa’s top try scorer (23), Apia-born Lima has lined out for the Auckland Blues, Otago Highlanders, Stade Francais and Gloucester in a career which has spanned four World Cups.

Lima – whose signing is subject to medical clearance and a relevant work permit – left Japanese club Secom last year, and has been unattached for a number of months.

Munster – who take on Biarritz Olympique in San Sebastian on Sunday, April 3 (kick-off 3.00pm) – also nominated former Ireland Under-21 scrum-half Frank Murphy as their second addition for the knock-out stages – with the 23-year-old already boasting ten caps for the province.

Coach Alan Gaffney insisted: “I am very happy with the quality of player we have been able to nominate. Frank Murphy is a player who I believe has a lot to offer and he fully deserves this opportunity.

“Brian Lima is of course one of the great names in world rugby and I think Munster supporters will have seen exactly what he is capable of in that North-South game at Twickenham last weekend.”