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Munster CEO says Anthony Foley is the right man to guide the province forward

The province have offered Foley a one-year contract extension.

MUNSTER CEO GARRETT Fitzgerald says it is Anthony Foley’s decision whether or not he is in charge of the province next season.

The appointment of Andy Farrell as a consultant at Munster today has led to increased speculation that Foley will be vacating his position as head coach.

Anthony Foley Foley has been offered a one-year contract extension. Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

Fitzgerald confirmed that Foley has been offered a one-year extension to his current contract to take him into the 2016/17 season, but said that Foley has not accepted or declined that offer yet.

The Munster CEO says the offer remains on the table, despite the province’s worrying run of results and performances in recent months.

“Anthony had an option on his contract and has been offered an option on that area itself to tie in with the timeline that was on it,” said Fitzgerald in Limerick this afternoon.

“He specifically asked that it be parked, as he wanted to concentrate on team performance and he’s not in any rush at the present moment to do that. We’re quite happy at the moment to let it be as it is. The most important thing is team performance.”

Munster’s European exit after defeat to Stade Français in comprehensive fashion last weekend has led to calls from some supporters for Foley to be replaced as the province’s head coach.

However, Fitzgerald stated his belief that Foley is the right man to guide Munster into next season, if the 40-year-old is willing to do so.

“He’s been offered the renewal of it,” said Fitzgerald. “All the head coaches provincially are IRFU employees. So in conjunction with the IRFU and following reviews that would take place in any normal employee situation, obviously we feel he’s the right person at this stage to do that.

“In any employment situation, people may get a change of minds themselves for different reasons, or pressure. But that’s the way we see it at the moment.” 

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