McGahan to leave Munster
Tony McGahan
MUNSTER head coach Tony McGahan is set to leave the province this summer to take up a post as defence coach with the Australian national team.
McGahan is reported to have informed the players of his intentions at after a training session earlier this week.
Queenslander McGahan is said to have been offered another one-year extension with Munster with the option of a further year, but has opted to return home to take up a new position with the Wallabies coaching team.
The news will come as a major blow to the province’s plans, with Munster having finished as top seed in this season’s Heineken Cup pool stage.
Queenslander McGahan joined Munster in February 2005 as defence coach and the following season, with his role expanded to backs and skills coach, the Aussie played a central role in Munster securing their first ever Heineken Cup title.
McGahan enjoyed further Heineken Cup success in 2008 when Munster triumphed against Toulouse and in 2009 he succeeded Declan Kidney as the province’s head coach. The squad to the semi-final of the Heineken Cup and victory in the Magners League that season. McGahan also led Munster to another Magners league success last May when they defeated arch rivals Leinster in the Grand Final played at Thomond Park.
This season, Munster have secured a home quarter-final in the Heineken Cup against Ulster in April and remain strong contenders to claim a place in the knock-out stages of the RaboDirect PRO12.
Speculation has already begun as to how may succeed McGahan in the top job. Among those being mentioned as possible successors are former Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan, Munster forwards coach Anthony Foley, Edinburgh head coach Michael Bradley and Harlequins Director of Rugby, Conor O’Shea, Former Irish international O’Shea has, however, recently signed a new deal with Aviva Premiership side, ‘Quins.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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King John
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 10:08 AMEddie O'Sullivan? Jaysus I don't know about that? I don't imagine there's be a great welcome from the older players.
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