Munster have confirmed their fourth new signing for next season, with Thaakir Abrahams joining from Lyon on a two-year deal.
The South African, who can play both wing and full-back, has been granted early release from his contract at the French Top14 side, who have had to balance the number of homegrown, or 'JIFF' players in their squad.
The 25-year-old had been linked with a move to the province in recent days, with attack coach Mike Prendergast speaking glowingly about the former South Africa U20 international.
"He's electric, really, really good footwork. Very quick, elusive, got that X-factor ability about him," Prendergast said.
"We'd have known him from URC as well, playing with the Sharks, then went on to Lyon in the Top14 last year. He’s a wonderful player."
🗣️ "I know some people in Lyon who are really upset to lose him..."
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) May 29, 2024
Munster-bound Thaakir Abrahams looks like being a strong signing for the province...
📺🎧 Full #RTERugby podcast: https://t.co/GQLpcY7NFq pic.twitter.com/Fo2IQJzM7E
Abrahams has scored six tries in 12 games for Lyon in all competitions this season, but has had to contend with limited game-time because of the 'JIFF' rules, which dictate that clubs must play a required number of players brought through the French system.
The former Sharks back started in four of Lyon's five games in the Investec Champions Cup, and scored four tries, two of which came against Connacht in January.
After coming through the fames Paarl Boys High, Abrahams represented Western Province at underage level before moving to Durban to join the Sharks.
After making his Super Rugby debut in 2020, the wing was a regular for the Sharks in the URC and Champions Cup last season, scoring five tries in 14 games.
Abrahams joins Ulster out-half Billy Burns and Connacht pair Tom Farrell and Diarmuid Kilgallen as new signings for next season.
Listen to the RTÉ Rugby podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Watch Munster v Ulster in the URC on Saturday from 5pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to commentary on Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1
