At present Frank Sheahan, James Blaney and Jerry Flannery are the contracted hookers in the Munster squad, but with Sheahan likely to be in Eddie O Sullivan s RWC squad - subject to a successful appeal on September 1st - and Academy hooker Colm Tucker not available through injury, the vacancy arose which has now been filled by a player who won the first of his two senior English caps against Australia in 1997.

Keith Wood's availability to Munster will be determined by Irish national management requirements. He, along with other internationals, may feature in the Munster pre-season fixture against Rotherham in Thomond Park on Friday next (22nd August 7.30pm).