Munster could look to Ireland’s newest coaching acquisition to shore up their leaky defence.
Andy Farrell has taken up a role as Munster coaching panel until the end of this season.
The former England international, who will look after Ireland’s defence from June 2016, has been installed at Munster in a temporary, “consultancy” role.
A statement from Munster Rugby reads:
‘We can confirm that Andy Farrell will join the province in an advisory role with immediate effect. The role will see the incoming Ireland defence coach provide support to head coach Anthony Foley and his coaching group on a part-time basis over the next four months.’
Munster chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald said, “We have been looking for additional support for our coaching staff and with the timely availability of an experienced coach such as Andy Farrell we felt his inclusion would be hugely beneficial in assisting our coaching team.”
IRFU performance director David Nucifora, who surely had a big say in the matter, points out that Farrell was unable to get involved in the Irish set-up due to gardening leave. As it stands, Farrell will now get to grips with Irish rugby through the provincial game.
Farrell’s appointment would suggest head coach Anthony Foley will lose a considerable grip on the reins at Munster. The former Munster forward has already stated that there is no point on him being at the club if he does not achieve decent results.
Munster leaked 27 points at the weekend as they were shredded by 14-man Stade Francais in the Champions Cup. While Foley’s men have a decent defensive record in the Guinness PRO12 [18 tries conceded in 11 games] they have leaked nine tries in four European games.
Meanwhile, former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio has called Ireland’s appointment of Farrell “astute” and harked back to the 2013 Lions Tour to Australia as proof of the 40-year-old’s coaching mettle.
“I think it’s an excellent appointment.” Andy Farrell’s move to @IrishRugby is a shrewd signing says @dallaglio8. https://t.co/VjPoXLexdb
— Rugby Tonight (@RugbyTonight) January 11, 2016
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