Munster close in on Harrison and Brookes as McMillan reshapes squad for next season

Munster are on the verge of securing two more signings for next season, with Australian playmaker Will Harrison and veteran tighthead Kieran Brookes both expected to join the province, according to reports from The42.

Harrison, 26, arrives from Japan’s second division, where he scored three tries in eight games for Hanazono Kintetsu Liners this season. The former New South Wales Waratahs back made 38 appearances for the Australian franchise before moving to Japan two years ago, but found opportunities increasingly scarce following the arrival of Springbok Manie Libbok. He started for Australia Under-20s in the 2019 Junior World Cup Final, a 24-23 defeat to France, having scored a try against Ireland earlier in the tournament. Harrison is not Irish-qualified.

Munster head coach Clayton McMillan had held talks with Leinster fly-half Caspar Gabriel, but was forced to look elsewhere when Gabriel chose to remain in Dublin. Harrison will become the province’s third confirmed summer signing, following Springboks hooker Marnus van der Merwe and Ireland-capped tighthead Jack Aungier.

Brookes, who turns 36 in August, is set to be the fourth addition despite having a year remaining on his contract with Top 14 side Perpignan. The Stoke-on-Trent prop has previously played for Newcastle, Leicester Tigers, Northampton Saints, Wasps, and Toulon before joining the French club two years ago. He earned 16 caps for England, with his last appearance coming a decade ago, and retains Irish eligibility under World Rugby’s residency rules. He featured for Perpignan in their 47-24 Top 14 access match against Provence Rugby last weekend, keeping his eligibility intact ahead of a potential Ireland call-up.

The signings reflect McMillan’s determination to bolster Munster’s options at fly-half and in the front row as the province prepares for the United Rugby Championship season ahead.