Rugby: Munster have signed their second centre in a matter of days after securing the signature of Former All Black and Cardiff Blues back Casey Laulala today.

Last Thursday, the province confirmed James Downey will join from Northampton next season, and they have now added the 29-year-old Samoan-born Laulala to the squad as well.

Laulala scored 14 tries in 58 appearances for the Welsh side and is of “undoubted calibre”, according to Munster coach tony McGahan.

"The club is obviously delighted that we've managed to secure the services of a player of his undoubted calibre for the next two seasons,” said McGahan today. “I believe it shows the ambition that Munster Rugby harbours for the years ahead and I think it speaks volumes that a high quality player such as Casey chooses to come to Munster ahead of a very impressive chasing pack.

"We're only too well aware of his rugby capabilities having come up against him first hand for the past number of seasons and believe he will not only have a strong contribution on-field but also act as a mentor to the emerging back talent we have in our squad."

Laulala, who played Super 14 rugby with Crusaders and Air New Zealand Cup with Canterbury, spoke after Blues training today and said he was looking forward to “experiencing life in Ireland”.

"I've enjoyed myself very, very much here at the Blues and was fortunate enough to win the Amlin Challenge Cup with them in my first season here,” he said. "My family and me have thoroughly enjoyed our time in Cardiff and I'd like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for welcoming me.

"I guess this is a fresh challenge for me, it's something new and hopefully the Munster welcome will be as warm as the one I experienced here in Cardiff.

"Munster are a very successful team so I'm looking forward to joining them and experiencing life in Ireland. However, there is still a lot of rugby to be played this season so I am still fully focused on doing well for the Blues."