Munster have added Rhys Marshall, Thomas du Toit and Cathal Sheridan to their squad.

The province has a difficult schedule this month starting with their trip on Saturday to the Aviva to face Leinster in the Pro12, a week before they start their Champions Cup campaign at Racing 92 followed by a second European tie at home against Glasgow Warriors.

They conclude this month’s games with another trip, this time to Ulster in the Pro 12.

Hooker Rhys Marshall has signed a three-year deal that will see him stay with the province until June 2019.

He joins from Super Rugby side the Chiefs and will link up with Munster when his involvement in the Mitre 10 Cup with Taranaki is completed.

The 23-year-old New Plymouth native is a former New Zealand U20s player and has made 22 Super Rugby appearances, debuted against the Highlanders in 2013 and played his part in the Super Rugby winning campaign that year.

Sharks prop Thomas du Toit will join the province on a three-month loan agreement and is expected to arrive in mid-October when his involvement in the Currie Cup ends.

The 21-year-old Cape Town native can play at loose-head and tight-head, and he has represented the Barbarians, South Africa “A”, and the Springboks twice at the U20s World Championships.

Munster have also brought back UL Bohemians scrum-half Cathal Sheridan for three months.

Sheridan finished his previous contract at the province last May after 35 appearances for Munster.

Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus said: “In certain positions we had to look at our short-term and long-term options in making sure we had adequate cover. We are about to head into a fully loaded schedule across Europe and the PRO12 and needed to build on our depth in a few key areas so these short term contracts will help in that regard.

“Additionally with injuries to Mike Sherry and Kevin O’Byrne, Rhys Marshall will help in the immediate future and looking beyond that he is a talented long-term prospect for such a pivotal position within our squad.”