Conor George

ROB PENNEY is already targeting to stay with Munster longer than the initial two year contract he is committed to.

The Canterbury coach believes that the job he will face with Munster will stretch longer than the initial deal and is looking forward to adding his own twist to Munster’s development and history.

“My initial feeling is that two years won’t be enough to get the job done with Munster,” said Penney from New Zealand this morning.

“I am driven to be successful and want to be successful with Munster and the challenge for me is to achieve that while also showing that I am capable of bringing Munster in the right direction and that will take more than two years.

“That’s the task for me and it is my job to show that I am the man to do that. I am a bit of a one-trick pony when it comes to coaching and am exceptionally loyal, having spent the last nine years with Canterbury

“Hopefully at the end of the two years I will have shown Munster they will want to retain me because I’d hate to leave a job unfinished,” he added.

Penney has already started planning for his arrival and spent this morning talking to Anthony Foley and putting plans in place for his arrival in July for Munster’s pre-season.

And any fears that he and Foley would not gel as a result of the Kiwi beating out his forwards’ coach to the job of Head of Coaching were immediately allayed in this morning’s conversation.

“We had a chat this morning (today) and I was really impressed with what Anthony had to say and how enthusiastic he is about what’s ahead for us,” said Penney.

“Our relationship will start to develop over the next six weeks or so and during pre-season when I arrive in Ireland but I came away from our first conversation rapped with what he had to say and how enthused he is about next season.

“Given the circumstances of our situation the dynamics of the management group is a little unique.

“Anthony was a wonderful player, his playing record is second to none with Munster and Ireland, and he’s now transitioning into coaching and is well respected by the players there.

“I am looking forward to working with him, helping him develop as a coach and learning from him. I am really excited that he is in the fold already.

“What I heard from him in our conversation today really warmed my heart and I am looking forward to building a strong relationship with him and with the other coaches and players,” Penney added.