Ireland and Ulster back row Chris Henry has joined a growing chorus from within Irish rugby who have been critical of Munster's signing of Gerbrandt Grobler. Until now, it has mostly been former internationals to have voiced their dissatisfaction.
The 25-year-old South African second row served a two-year ban between October 2014 and October 2016 for taking the steroid Drostanolone. He tested positive while playing in the Currie Cup.
Grobler, who penned a one-year deal with Munster back in July, is yet to play a competitive game for Munster after sustaining an ankle injury in a pre-season match against Worcester. His return to fitness, which has seen him play for the Munster 'A' side, has prompted questions.
Quoted by the Irish Independent, Henry - who was speaking at an Ulster press conference on Wednesday - suggested that the signing of players such as Grobler will have a negative impact on home-grown players.
"I just can't understand. If foreign players have been caught doing that, it is hindering home-grown players who are doing it the right way," said 24-cap Ireland international.
That would be my opinion. I would be the first to say the province has been allowed to have four or five players, and you look at the guys who have been the massive positives, the Robbie Diacks, the Rob Herrings, that's fantastic that they have decided to come over here and contribute and do it the right way.
But, ultimately, if someone is going to take short-cuts and it is going to close the door for home-grown players from a province, then that is unacceptable. If you asked most players from Ireland they would say the same thing.
