Wednesday 11 March 2015 16:15, UK
Munster front row trio BJ Botha, Niall Scannell and Kevin O'Byrne have all signed contract extensions with the province and the Irish Rugby Football Union.
Botha has extended his current deal by six months, Scannell a two-year full deal and O'Byrne a one-year development contract.
Durban-born prop Botha has been with the province since the start of the 2011/12 season and has played 93 times, having made his debut against Scarlets in September 2011.
The 35-year-old, who has represented his country on 25 occasions and was a member of the South Africa squad that won the 2007 Rugby World Cup, will remain with the Guinness PRO12 side until December 2015 and head coach Anthony Foley is delighted to have retained his services.
"BJ's contract is up at the end of this season but after working closely with the IRFU we have thankfully secured the services of a player of his calibre for a further six months,” Foley told Munster’s official website.
“He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the scrum and front row and it is a huge boost to the squad to have him available during the World Cup window when our squad numbers will be reduced."
Hooker Scannell moved into the senior squad as a development player at the start of last season and he will now advance to a full contract at the start of the 2015/16 season.
Fellow-hooker O'Byrne will remain with the province until at least June 2016 having made 11 appearances for Munster since joining on a training contract at the start of this campaign.
"This season alone has shown us how critical it is to have a number of options available at hooker,” added Foley.
“Out of a possible six hookers we had two, maybe three available for most of the season through various injuries.
“With Damien Varley's retirement confirmed and Mike Sherry out since November 2013 it's great to see these young players, both Kevin and Niall, taking their opportunities and committing their futures to the province."
Meanwhile, Munster have confirmed that Development prop Alan Cotter will leave the province at the end of the current season to join French Federale 1 side Le Parc Pays D'Aix.
