Prendergast hints Munster deal for Lyon wing Abrahams

Munster appear to be close to agreeing a deal for South African winger Thaakir Abrahams.

Reports in recent weeks suggested the province were on the hunt for a non-Irish qualified back-three player, with rumours yesterday linking the URC champions with the Lyon wing.

Abrahams has scored six tries in 12 games for the French side this season, who he joined in the summer of 2023, having previously impressed for the Sharks in the BKT United Rugby Championship.

Speaking on Tuesday, Munster assistant Mike Prendergast couldn’t reveal whether or not the former South Africa U20 international would be moving to Thomond Park, but suggested there would be an announcement in due course.

“We are in the market for a back-three player,” the Munster attack coach said.

“As of at the moment, I can’t confirm anything, but the news I’m sure will be out sooner than later.”

While Prendergast wasn’t able to elaborate on a potential deal for Abrahams, he was glowing in his appraisal of the South African flyer.

“He’s electric, really, really good footwork. Very quick, elusive, got that X-factor ability about him.

“We’d have known him from URC as well, playing with the Sharks, then went on to Lyon in the Top 14 last year. He’s a wonderful player.”

While not a direct replacement for centre Antoine Frisch, whose upcoming move to Toulon was confirmed last week, it does appear that his departure has helped the province’s budget for bringing in a NIQ wing, with Toulon believed to have paid the province a transfer fee due to Frisch still being under contract at Thomond Park next season.

Munster have already drafted in Connacht’s Tom Farrell to supplement their midfield stocks next season, and while previously denying rumours that Frisch would be moving on, Prendergast admitted the centre’s return to France was inevitable after he declared his intention to represent Les Bleus at international level.

“It was probably in the pipeline for the last few weeks.

“We’ve a way to go this season, a huge part of it, the business end of it, and he’ll be a massive part of that; but I think over the last two seasons he’s shown his quality.

“I like his story as well, being involved in French rugby, knowing how he had to get there, it’s a great story and he’s been marvellous for us. There’s an important few weeks, hopefully, and we’re hoping for him to be a big part of it but to lose a player like him, it would hurt any team and any squad.

“Fortunately we’ve announced a couple of signing in for next year, including Tom Farrell, and they’ll bring their own [style], he’s a good profile of a player as well. And we’re excited when that happens as well, for Tom to come in,” he added.

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