MUNSTER HAVE ANNOUNCED that Rob Penney is the man to replace Tony McGahan as head coach with the province.
Following confirmation this year that McGahan would depart for a role with the Wallabies, many had hoped that forwards coach, Anthony Foley, would be promoted to the role.
Today, however, the province has announced the new new boss will be Penney, 48, who has coached Canterbury for the past six years. Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald said in a statement:
” We conducted a thorough search to find a replacement for Tony McGahan and were delighted with the calibre of the candidates. Rob Penney’s record speaks for itself and we look forward to welcoming him to Munster.”
Penney’s arrival comes as a surprise to many. Considered a forwards coach himself, there are concerns that he and Foley would tread on each others toes.
Penney will begin his two-year contract with the southern province in July (subject to a work permit) after he coaches the under 20 New Zealand side in IRB Junior World Cup.
The Kiwi’s appointment comes after both Foley and Tana Umaga were interviewed for the job.