Alex Nankivell signs on as Jean Kleyn and Oli Jager make progress on Munster returns

Alex Nankivell has signed a two-year contract extension with Munster, keeping him at the province until 2027 at least.

The 28-year-old New Zealander joined Munster in summer 2023 from the Chiefs.

The centre has scored four tries in 22 appearances.

In other contract news, prop Stephen Archer, who has played 290 times for Munster, has extended his deal until the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Tadhg Beirne, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Conor Murray, Calvin Nash and Peter O'Mahony have all returned to the club from Ireland duty ahead of Saturday’s Champions Cup clash against Stade Francais in Thomond Park (5.30pm, live on RTÉ).

Munster returned to winning ways on Saturday with a 17-10 URC victory over the Lions.

Nankivell (hip), Shane Daly (leg) and Thaakir Abrahams (thigh) all made successful returns to action after injury lay-offs, while Mike Haley was removed as a precaution on Saturday having passed all HIA tests.

Oli Jager (neck) is increasing his training load and nearing a return to full training, Jean Kleyn (neck) is improving but remains unavailable this week.

Edwin Edogbo (Achilles) is gradually increasing his running volume and targeting a return to training in the New Year.

Seán O’Brien (leg), Diarmuid Kilgallen (wrist), Jeremy Loughman (hip), Josh Wycherley (neck), Mark Donnelly (ankle), Dave Kilcoyne (ankle), Patrick Campbell (shoulder), Cian Hurley (knee), Roman Salanoa (knee) continue to rehab.

Watch Munster v Stade Francais in the Champions Cup on Saturday from 5pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1's Saturday Sport