Western Province utility back Pat Howard will join top Irish province, Munster, on a three-month loan deal.

Howard will join the team immediately and will return to Cape Town ahead of the Super Rugby season in February 2015.

'It’s a three-month loan deal, brought about by some injuries at centre in the Munster set-up, and we look forward to welcoming Pat back in February [2015], said WP director of rugby Gert Smal.

'It’s a great opportunity for Pat, who can do with the game time and will be able to broaden his horizons as a rugby player and a person at a top club like Munster in some top-level competitions.'

Howard has featured at centre and wing for WP this season, and is expected to cover midfield for Munster due to knee injuries to centres Keith Earls and Cian Bohane.

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