Munster sign Irish-qualified tighthead Kieran Brookes on two-year deal from Perpignan

Munster have secured the services of tighthead prop Kieran Brookes on a two-year deal running until 2028, after the final year of his Perpignan contract was mutually terminated. Head coach Clayton McMillan had identified front-row reinforcement as a priority heading into the next two seasons.

Brookes, who turns 36 in August, brings a wealth of Premiership and European experience to Thomond Park, having previously represented Newcastle, Leicester Tigers, Northampton Saints, Wasps and Toulon before his two-year stint in Perpignan, where he made 21 appearances last season. He won the last of his England caps a decade ago but retains Irish qualification, making him an eligible signing under URC roster rules.

Elsewhere in the transfer market, Brumbies and Wallabies back-rower Rob Valetini is attracting interest from Japanese League One clubs ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup. The 27-year-old, who has made over 100 appearances for the Brumbies and more than 63 for Australia, has reportedly been offered a lucrative deal with Kubota Spears once his contract expires following the tournament. Exeter Chiefs, newly under American ownership, are also pursuing a deal to re-sign Wallabies outside centre Len Ikitau.

In France, former Scotland scrum-half Ali Price has extended his stay at Montpellier until 2028, signing a one-year extension on top of his existing deal. The 33-year-old, who has earned 71 international caps, made 27 appearances in all competitions last season — including starts in the Challenge Cup final win over Ulster and the Top 14 final defeat to Toulouse — and has been a significant figure since arriving from Edinburgh at the start of last season, according to L’Equipe.

Japanese international No. 8 Amanaki Mafi is searching for a new club after Newcastle Red Bulls chose not to renew his contract despite a strong individual campaign in which he scored three tries in 15 appearances. His compatriot and fellow Red Bulls release, South African fly-half and full-back Boeta Chamberlain, is reported to be closing in on a move to the Lions.

Former Sale Sharks and Glasgow Warriors lock JP du Preez is also available after departing Japanese club Red Hurricanes, where he managed only three appearances last season. The 6ft 10in lock, who is 31, is unlikely to return to the UK due to the absence of a Governing Body Endorsement — a consequence of his former club’s standing outside Japan’s Division One. Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith previously described du Preez’s return from a knee injury that kept him sidelined for 650 days as something of a miracle.