MUNSTER HAVE SIGNED Garryowen centre and captain Bryan Fitzgerald on a three-month contract ahead of the new season.

The 25-year-old Patrickswell man was among the standout players from the province in the AIL last season, scoring tries in both the Munster Senior Cup final and the Division 1B playoff final as Garryowen were promoted to the top flight.

Fitzgerald went on to impress for an AIL XV in a challenge match against Munster ‘A’ back in May, scoring two tries against his native province.

“As part of Munster Rugby’s recruitment and succession planning, AIL players are continually tracked and observed by Munster staff throughout the domestic season with Fitzgerald’s performances throughout 2023/24 catching the eye and resulting in this exciting opportunity,” a Munster statement read.

Fitzgerald, who played schools rugby with Calvin Nash at Crescent College Comprehensive and has two caps for Ireland Clubs, has joined Munster upon their return to pre-season training this week.

The province’s Ireland internationals who toured South Africa will rejoin the squad on later dates.