Munster Organisational Update With CEO Ian Flanagan

Munster Rugby CEO Ian Flanagan has provided an update from the organisation as the province comes towards the end of a busy block of games across the URC and Champions Cup.

Flanagan provides an update on the recruitment process for a new Head Coach while he also speaks about other developments which are taking place across the province.

Head Coach Recruitment

“The process is going to take as long as it takes to find the right candidate. We’re not going to tie ourselves to a definitive timeline on this. This is an absolutely vital decision for Munster Rugby and it’s important that we get it right.

“What I will say is the core priority has been securing the futures and extensions of Mike Prendergast, Denis Leamy and Mossy Lawler. Those three together with the other coaches are absolutely vital to what we do now and to our future.

“The main priority was to have an incredibly settled coaching ticket steering ship while we go through this process. We have absolute confidence in that group and I would also thank the IRFU for their support for bringing in the additions of Alex Codling and also Chris Boyd as a short-term Performance Consultant.

“It gives us complete confidence in the group, it’s a really stable environment and that allows us to engage in a thorough recruitment process. The feedback from the player group inside the building, the atmosphere inside the building is excellent. We believe we’re in a very good, stable situation.

“In addition to that, we have been reviewing, in conjunction with the IRFU and David Humphreys, every aspect of our high performance structure, looking at our pathways, looking at alignment, to ensure that we reach the best outcome for Munster, not just in terms of the individuals in the coaching ticket but the actual structure of our coaching ticket and our performance system. That has been a huge piece of work that has been going on over the last two months.

“We are very happy with the improvements we have made to our high performance structures, systems and culture over the last number of years and we want the recruitment of a new head coach to complement and build on all that positive work.

“On top of that we have been reviewing the candidates who have expressed an interest in the role.

“Over the coming weeks, there are scheduled meetings between the Munster Rugby Professional Game Committee which is leading the appointment on our side and those meetings will be with the IRFU and David Humphreys.”

Contract Renewals

“A lot of work has taken place in the background on the contract renewal front for our playing group and I would like to thank Ian Costello and the rest of of the coaching group for all their work in this area.

“Tom Ahern, Gavin Coombes, Shane Daly, Alex Kendellen and Alex Nankivell have all signed contract extensions with Shay McCarthy, Ruadhán Quinn and Evan O’Connell the latest talented youngsters from our Academy to move up to the senior squad.

“We will be confirming more renewals shortly and aim to announce some new signings over the coming weeks.”

Cork Centre of Excellence

“Construction of our Cork Centre of Excellence is progressing very well and already, we’re seeing the building take shape at the Pearse Road end of Virgin Media Park.

“It is on course for completion this summer and will have huge benefits for both player development and participation.

“This project is our second largest capital project ever after the redevelopment of Thomond Park.

“Not only will it benefit our age-grade squads with a state-of-the-art indoor training pitch and gym facilities, but it will also provide additional support to our clubs and schools.

“Developing this type of infrastructure for our domestic game throughout Munster is a huge priority for us and is one of our strategic objectives.”

Message To Supporters

“I want to thank all of our fans as always for their phenomenal support. They have supported us in droves again this season. The game earlier this month against Saracens, the support was absolutely phenomenal inside Thomond Park. It felt like one of the big European games from the past.

“All the players were talking about it in the dressing room afterwards. Ultimately, the support made all the difference between us getting the win on the day or not and it was huge in terms of getting us over the line. And that’s the difference that our supporters make.

“That level of support was repeated again at the weekend in Northampton and we were all blown away by the numbers that travelled to cheer the team on.

“I want to thank you all, I also want to thank you for your patience, we are going through a very thorough process and we will make the best decisions around the appointment and our high performance structure.”