Rugby – Munster confirm Taute, Zebo and O’Byrne to miss weeks

MUNSTER rugby today announced that South African international Jaco Taute will join the province on a short-term loan. The Stormers and Western Province centre/fullback  joins the province on a four month loan basis, subject to being granted a valid work permit. The 25-year-old played for the Springboks on three occasions in 2012 and has made 50 Super Rugby appearances, having also represented the Lions.

Due to injuries to Francis Saili and Sammy Arnold, Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has called on the services of Taute to bolster the options available in midfield.

In other news, injuries to Simon Zebo and Kevin O’Byrne rule them out of action for the immediate future. Simon Zebo sustained a fractured rib in Munster’s opening round victory at Parc y Scarlets last weekend. The international winger and fullback is expected to be side-lined for five weeks. A further injury update confirmed Kevin O’Byrne will be unavailable for three months. The hooker who was a late replacement against Scarlets last Saturday sustained an elbow injury in the final minutes of the game.

Name: Jaco Taute
Position: Centre/Fullback
Date of Birth: 21/02/91
Height: 1.87m
Weight: 98kg
Birthplace: Springs