Munster have moved to solve their injury worries by re-signing loose-forward Eddie Halvey from London Irish.

Munster coach Alan Gaffney was keen to add to his back row after losing international lock Paul O'Connell and Lions flanker David Wallace to long-term injuries.

Halvey, 32, joined London Irish in July 2000 having appeared in Munster's Heineken Cup final defeat to Northampton at Twickenham that year.

He made 48 appearances for the Exiles, scoring nine tries.

He will join Munster with immediate effect having been granted an early release from the final season of his contract.

London Irish director of rugby Conor O'Shea said: "We are sorry to lose Eddie, he has made a great contribution to the club both on and off the pitch.

"But given the opportunity that has arisen for Eddie it would be wrong for us to stand in the way of his wishes.

Munster team manager Jerry Holland said, "Eddie is a quality player.

"He is well known to Munster supporters and I'm sure they will join with me in welcoming him back into the Munster squad."