NEW MUNSTER HEAD coach Anthony Foley has today confirmed his backroom team for the coming season.
The post-Rob Penney era will see Ian Costello promoted to assistant coach and he will be joined in the supporting role by Cork Con coach Brian Walsh. Jerry Flannery comes on board as scrum coach.
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Costello will continue to be responsible for skills in kicking at the province while Walsh’s remit is attack and backs.
That broad power base is designed to leave Foley himself free to keep a hands-on role in coaching the forward pack and breakdown with Mick O’Driscoll (appointed technical advisor in April) in support.
“We have a unique situation here, in not only appointing all Irish coaches,” CEO Garret Fitzgerald said in today’s press release from the southern province, “we are extremely proud to appoint coaches that have learned their trade within the province.
“It is a reflection of the level of coaches on offer in Irish Rugby. With Anthony at the helm we look forward to seeing this group work together in achieving success for Munster Rugby.”
The coaching ticket will commence their two-year contract on July 1.
Foley is taking big risks, he’s giving jobs to ex-teammates, it’s either a masterstroke or he’ll be the Steve ” I’m the gaffer” of Irish rugby.
Honestly I hope it’s the first but you got to worry
Fla’s got loads of kicking experience..
Sure didn’t he once get a french lad airborne in the Stade de France.
He was a good scrummaging hooker and will have plenty of experience in that department. Just surprised with his appointment because I wasn’t aware of him having coached at any senior or junior club’s prior to today’s news is all.
Sure Joe Schmitt came from the same surroundings in New Zealand and got his chance if you have ever had the chance to hear Brian Walsh talk about backline or general movement of a team you would understand the man is the real deal he has coached most of the top players in Munster when they were unhearded off now most of them are pro players with Hcup medals through the Munster pathway Munster and Ireland are very lucky to have him
Munsters biggest problem these last few years has been there back play and they appoint someone with very little experience.
Don’t know much about brian walsh but considering what a big job it is I was hoping a bigger name would have been giving the role. Cardiff has just announced the hurricanes coach as there new director so there was people out there. I’m not too optimistic.
Cardiffs new Head coach Mark Hammett was an ex hooker with the Crusaders , was forwards coach with the Crusaders before getting the top job at the Hurricanes so not sure how you’re thinking he would help the Munster backs with. Axel Foley is no dummy and just because Brian Walsh hasn’t the biggest name doesn’t mean he won’t be a success. Cork Cons back lines over the past five or so years have been pretty sharp and that comes from innovative coaching as much as anything.
Any coincidence that arsenal win silverware for the first time in 9 years. And theyve had a rugby man putting some spine back in the squad ? Maybe its just not about technical coaching qualifications. Self belief and pride come into as well. I hope the new coaching team are given a chance to succeed
@john o neill. how come arsenal were so spineless in the league?? by your theory they shoulda walked it with fla pulling the strings in the dugout. methinks you are talking manure. ps massive munster and flannery fan
@ Patrick fitzgerald ..Me thinks you’ve not understood the point so ill elaborate … My use of the word spine didn’t infer that Arsenal were totally spineless ,what I was trying to suggest was that generally the rugby ethos tends to have less dramatization and that I cant really imagine Jerry putting up with what we generally perceive as football prima donna antics. I was also suggesting that a more forthright approach to coaching may well have helped the arsenal players focus on their own skills and that it demonstrates that you don’t have to be a technical expert in a particular sporting field of get the best out of a group of players. thereby attempting to counter some of the arguments that neither Jerry or Brian were sufficiently qualified to take the Munster roles. Neither was I suggesting that Mr Flannery was the sole architect of their recent good fortune. I cant comment on Arsenals league merits as I don’t follow football although by some error of fate I do have to listen to my sons, both rugby players, who are in their 20s who support that team. .. .. I was just suggesting there may be a coincidence
Brian Walsh is the best club coach in the country about time he gets his chance. Top class up there with Joe Schmitt just cause he doesnt have a southern hemisphere accent people will not believe in him
Maybe not at this level but he has at AIL level and has been given this opportunity with Munster. We can’t keep relying on Southern Hemisphere imports; they don’t always work out either (see Mannix, Simon). Why not take a chance on one of our own?
But then again ive often wondered at the merits of trying to force an expansive southern hemisphere game when the opportunity to get decent weather in europe and in winter and play it is really limited. Admittedly we need options but just maybe the coaching team has been chosen to match the local reality to the skill sets and opportunities to actually use them. Perhaps we should acknowledge that we have always has strength in the pack based game because its always bl00dy windy n raining. In which case the new coachin team seems a good shout
Obviously no money in Munster rugby other wise we would have brought in some outside influence , obviously hope the new coaching team do well but you have to be a bit sceptical
Not sure why people have issues with the back’s coach. everyone has to start somewhere and 5 years with Con in the AIL is sound enough basis . At the end of the day it’s set plays with a better standard of player Is all
Brian Walsh has a big job on his hands with the Munster backs. There are quite a few talented players who Munster could pick in the backline. But some players are too versatile and it means there’s a lack of clarity about different players’ roles. The arrival of Bleyendall might not help. In my opinion Munster need a Trevor Halstead type 12, not a ball-playing one. Wouldn’t put it past Foley to win the Heineken in his first year though
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Best of luck to them. We need a strong munster going into WC year.
Doesn’t look like the most experienced or proven management team ever but hopefully they’ll manage to get the best of this Munster team.
Foley is taking big risks, he’s giving jobs to ex-teammates, it’s either a masterstroke or he’ll be the Steve ” I’m the gaffer” of Irish rugby.
Honestly I hope it’s the first but you got to worry
Since when has Brian Walsh been a team mate of Anthony Foley
Played together in school
Mick O’Driscoll and fla I was talking about.
Does this mean Flannery will be leaving his role at Arsenal?
What about his role with TG4??!
He doesn’t have a role at arsenal it’s part of his course to be there
Interesting appointments.Fla as scrum coach is the most surprising
@fecky I’d be more surprised if he was appointed as the kicking or backs coach.i think playing as hooker would give him some experience in the scrum
Fla’s got loads of kicking experience..
Sure didn’t he once get a french lad airborne in the Stade de France.
He was a good scrummaging hooker and will have plenty of experience in that department. Just surprised with his appointment because I wasn’t aware of him having coached at any senior or junior club’s prior to today’s news is all.
Maybe he’s coming in as an interm?
Flannery was only at Arsenal on a 6 month internship.
Initially, but he was kept on for the full season.
Now you will see the PRIDE back in the jersey !!
Penney had pride. That wasn’t the issue. The issue is the new superpower that is Toulon. Would be good for rugby if the Sarries tripped them up.
Homegrown is the way to do it..
Don’t f*ck with the Fla!!
Sure Joe Schmitt came from the same surroundings in New Zealand and got his chance if you have ever had the chance to hear Brian Walsh talk about backline or general movement of a team you would understand the man is the real deal he has coached most of the top players in Munster when they were unhearded off now most of them are pro players with Hcup medals through the Munster pathway Munster and Ireland are very lucky to have him
I see tears!!
Munsters biggest problem these last few years has been there back play and they appoint someone with very little experience.
Don’t know much about brian walsh but considering what a big job it is I was hoping a bigger name would have been giving the role. Cardiff has just announced the hurricanes coach as there new director so there was people out there. I’m not too optimistic.
Cardiffs new Head coach Mark Hammett was an ex hooker with the Crusaders , was forwards coach with the Crusaders before getting the top job at the Hurricanes so not sure how you’re thinking he would help the Munster backs with. Axel Foley is no dummy and just because Brian Walsh hasn’t the biggest name doesn’t mean he won’t be a success. Cork Cons back lines over the past five or so years have been pretty sharp and that comes from innovative coaching as much as anything.
Adio where have you been the last few years Brian Walsh is a great coach.
I think you’re underestimating the AIL, it’s got quality coaches and displays a good standard of rugby!
I like this
Any coincidence that arsenal win silverware for the first time in 9 years. And theyve had a rugby man putting some spine back in the squad ? Maybe its just not about technical coaching qualifications. Self belief and pride come into as well. I hope the new coaching team are given a chance to succeed
Haha ya I’m sure jerry flannery is the mastermind behind arsenals fa cup success!! Haha
@john o neill. how come arsenal were so spineless in the league?? by your theory they shoulda walked it with fla pulling the strings in the dugout. methinks you are talking manure. ps massive munster and flannery fan
@ Patrick fitzgerald ..Me thinks you’ve not understood the point so ill elaborate … My use of the word spine didn’t infer that Arsenal were totally spineless ,what I was trying to suggest was that generally the rugby ethos tends to have less dramatization and that I cant really imagine Jerry putting up with what we generally perceive as football prima donna antics. I was also suggesting that a more forthright approach to coaching may well have helped the arsenal players focus on their own skills and that it demonstrates that you don’t have to be a technical expert in a particular sporting field of get the best out of a group of players. thereby attempting to counter some of the arguments that neither Jerry or Brian were sufficiently qualified to take the Munster roles. Neither was I suggesting that Mr Flannery was the sole architect of their recent good fortune. I cant comment on Arsenals league merits as I don’t follow football although by some error of fate I do have to listen to my sons, both rugby players, who are in their 20s who support that team. .. .. I was just suggesting there may be a coincidence
Brian Walsh is the best club coach in the country about time he gets his chance. Top class up there with Joe Schmitt just cause he doesnt have a southern hemisphere accent people will not believe in him
It’s a bit soon to be comparing him to Joe Schmidt is it not?? There’s a huge gulf between ail and international after all
Bad move all round. We need a decent backs coach. Brian Walsh does not have the experience for this level. A major step backwards for Munster.
Maybe not at this level but he has at AIL level and has been given this opportunity with Munster. We can’t keep relying on Southern Hemisphere imports; they don’t always work out either (see Mannix, Simon). Why not take a chance on one of our own?
Totally agree! Worried about next year already
Well done Gerry.
Jerry back with Munster where he belongs… Time to take out my “I’ll be your hooker ” jersey :-)
Delighted as a Leinster fan to see Fla back with Munster. I’m sure he’ll make a big contribution to the team. Go n-éirí an t-ádh leis!!!
But then again ive often wondered at the merits of trying to force an expansive southern hemisphere game when the opportunity to get decent weather in europe and in winter and play it is really limited. Admittedly we need options but just maybe the coaching team has been chosen to match the local reality to the skill sets and opportunities to actually use them. Perhaps we should acknowledge that we have always has strength in the pack based game because its always bl00dy windy n raining. In which case the new coachin team seems a good shout
Obviously no money in Munster rugby other wise we would have brought in some outside influence , obviously hope the new coaching team do well but you have to be a bit sceptical
Not sure why people have issues with the back’s coach. everyone has to start somewhere and 5 years with Con in the AIL is sound enough basis . At the end of the day it’s set plays with a better standard of player Is all
Brian Walsh has a big job on his hands with the Munster backs. There are quite a few talented players who Munster could pick in the backline. But some players are too versatile and it means there’s a lack of clarity about different players’ roles. The arrival of Bleyendall might not help. In my opinion Munster need a Trevor Halstead type 12, not a ball-playing one. Wouldn’t put it past Foley to win the Heineken in his first year though
It’ll be impossible for Munster to win the Heineken next. Mainly because there won’t be one
A major lack of experience there. It’s a slippery path.
Better back room than Lonsters
Is BJ Botha going to listen to Fla telling him how to scrummage? Strange one!
Any truth in the rumour that Sharks Sean Everitt is to be the new backs coach, as reported in the Indo today … http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/paul-oconnell-backs-project-player-policy-if-character-is-topclass-30287259.html