Who’s next? Meet the men who could take over from Tony McGahan

22/02/12 1,153 Views No Comments

NOW THAT THE news of Tony McGahan’s decision to leave Munster has started to sink in, thoughts are already turning to the men who could replace him in the Thomond Park hotseat.

A veritable rugby institution, Munster are unlikely to have too many problems attracting high-class candidates who share the province’s drive and ambition. But who will it be?

To help the bosses on their way, we’ve drawn up a rough and ready shortlist of 10 candidates and taken a quick look at what each has to offer.

Who’s next? Meet the men who could take over from Tony McGahan

Previous 1 / 10Next

Declan Kidney
Pros: "Mr Munster." An excellent coach, with his finger on the pulse of the current state of the provincial game. Two Heineken Cups and a Grand Slam on the CV. Cons: He's in a job at present. A move for Kidney may be seen as a step backwards rather than forwards. (©INPHO/Billy Stickland)
Michael Cheika
Pros: Had the nous to build a strong set-up around him at Leinster. Knows what it takes to win a Heineken Cup. Cons: Under contract as Stade Francais's director of rugby until the end of the 2012/2013 season. Hasn't exactly set the Top 14 alight since his move; Stade finished 11th domestically last season, and lost narrowly to Conor O'Shea and Quins in the Amlin final. (©INPHO/Billy Stickland)
Nick Mallett
Pros: Bundles of experience at both club (Stade Francais) and international (South Africa, Italy) level. Highly regarded. Cons: Out of the club game for a while. Left Italy after the World Cup, and said that he'd like to take time out of the game to spend with his family. (©INPHO/James Crombie)
Michael Bradley
Pros: A Munster great. Quickly establishing himself as one of Ireland's top coaches at Edinburgh. Cons: Under contract in Scotland until the summer of 2013. May be reluctant to abandon a project in which he is clearly making progress. (©INPHO/Dan Sheridan)
John Kirwan
Pros: On the market since leaving the Japanese national team after the World Cup, and known to be interested in a move to Ireland. Cons: No real experience of coaching at club level. (AP Photo/Junji Kurokawa)
Eddie O'Sullivan
Pros: An Irishman who is (presumably) ready, willing and able. Good knowledge of the Irish game and of the players he would be working with. Cons: There may still be some baggage and unfinished business from his time as Ireland coach. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Jim Williams
Pros: A legend around Thomond Park during his years there, and would immediately command the respect of the players. Resigned as Australia's forwards coach earlier this month, so is available. Cons: Has settled back home in Australia and may not be willing to relocate to the other side of the world again. (©INPHO/Dan Sheridan)
Anthony Foley
Pros: As Munster as they come. Has built up an impressive entry-level CV through stints with Munster "A", Ireland Wolfhounds and, most recently, as Munster forwards coach. Cons: Too soon for such a big job? Munster may need to appoint a more experienced mentor alongside Foley as head coach. (©INPHO/Billy Stickland)
Wayne Smith
Pros: Has a wealth of knowledge from his time in the All Blacks set-up. Doesn't want to leave his new post as Chiefs coach midway through the season, ruling him out of the England job, but may be open to a move when Super 15 finishes in August. Cons: May prefer a return to the international arena rather than a club post. (©INPHO/Dan Sheridan)
Conor O'Shea
Pros: One of the outstanding Irish candidates. Excellent top-level credentials as Harlequins' director of rugby, including a win in the Amlin Challenge Cup last season. Cons: Recently signed a contract extension which commits him to Quins until the summer of 2014. (©INPHO/Billy Stickland)

We’re ready to put our bodies on the line, insists O’Connell

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