Munster look set to sign former Australian U20 International fly-half Will Harrison ahead of next season.

The Aussie is not Irish qualified and has played the past two seasons at Hanazono Kintetsu Liners in Japan, having previously played for the Waratahs in Super Rugby Pacific.

The42 are now reporting that Harrison could join Munster to be used as a utility back by Munster Head Coach Clayton McMillan, having played at fly-half, full back and being able to potentially play at inside centre as well for the 2023 URC Champions.

Harrison was a star at the underage level, being the starting 10 for the Wallabies at the 2019 U20 World Championships in Argentina. He started against Ireland and faced potential future teammates Craig Casey, John Hodnett, Michael Milne and Josh Wycherley.

He starred as a strong Australian team, which featured stars such as Angus Bell, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight and Mark Nawaqantiawase, reached the final of the competition, losing narrowly to France 24-23.

Harrison then became the youngest player to ever sign a professional contract with the Waratahs, and he made his Super Rugby debut in 2020. Having been an ever-present in his first two years of pro rugby, injuries began to halt Harrison’s development, only being able to start 7 matches in his last two seasons in Sydney.

He decided to make the jump to Japan in 2024 and has played for the Hanazono Kintetsu Liners in the Japanese second division since. He has gotten the opportunity to learn from Aussie greats Will Genia and Quade Cooper, while also playing alongside Springbok World Cup winner Mannie Libbok this past season.

Harrison could be a huge addition to Munster’s depth charts, as with Jack Crowley suffering from a ‘blood vessel issue’ that has ruled him out of the Ireland squad this summer, it’s clear they might need more cover in the position.

Munster had a non-Irish qualified spot left open after the departures of Jean Kleyn and Thaakir Abrahams.