Rob Penney, the new Munster coach

By Conor George
MUNSTER will today confirm Rob Penney as Head Coach on a two year contract. He will be assisted by Anthony Foley, who will continue in his role as forwards’ coach.
Foley had been expected to assume the top position but Penny, coach of Canterbury NPC, hugely impressed Munster with his interview.
That, and the belief that it is too soon in Foley’s development as a coach, are believed to have tipped the balance is favour of the New Zealander who is also coach of the All Black U20 side.
Penney also met with senior players in the Munster camp after his interview and is understood to have impressed them hugely.
It will also be a very different looking Munster backroom set-up next season with Team Manager Shaun Payne moving on after nine years with the club while a number of the strength and conditioning team also understood to be departing.