Munster sign South African centre as Zebo ruled out for five weeks

MUNSTER have signed South African centre Jaco Taute on a four-month contract while Simon Zebo is expected to be out for up to five weeks after suffering a fractured rib during last weekend’s win over the Scarlets.

Zebo’s injury will leave him in a race against time to be fit for the opening Champions Cup fixture against Racing 92 on October 15.

In other news, Stormers and Western Province centre/fullback Jaco Taute 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.

Meanwhile, 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. With Mike Sherry sidelined also, it leaves Niall Scannell and Duncan Casey as the most senior available hookers.