Munster have announced that Tyler Bleyendaal will captain the province for their game against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
The New Zealand centre has not featured for Munster’s senior side in eight months due to a neck injury and this will act as a huge boost for Bleyendaal as he is given the armband for the game against the Cheetahs
Bleyendaal featured for Munster A against Leinster A in the Celtic Cup earlier this month after completing his rehabilitation from neck surgery last March.
Commenting on Bleyendaal’s return, van Graan said:
“It’s brilliant to have him back. He played 30 minutes for the A team against Leinster a few weeks ago and we have been monitoring him the whole time, he is itching to go.
“He will start this weekend and he will also be the captain, something he has done before for Munster. It’s great to have him back in a leadership role and it’s great to have a quality player back who has been out for a really long time.”
The 28-year-old arrived at Thomond Park in November 2014 but he has struggled with neck issues over the last number of years despite his standout season in 2016/2017 which saw him win the Munster Player of the Year award.