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Rugby

25th Apr 2016

REPORT: Munster turn to South Africa for new Director of Rugby

Kevin McGillicuddy

Something is stirring in Thomond Park and all is expected to be revealed later.

Munster confirmed a few months back that head coach Anthony Foley would be getting a helping hand for next season as the province begins a major period of internal reconstruction.

A Director of Rugby was to be appointed, and the former European champions were understood to be scouring the globe for a suitable candidate.

Foley was expected to be left in charge of the day-to-day running of the first team, and now it appears as if the identity of the province’s new appointee has been revealed.

Reports in South Africa are suggesting that Johan ‘Rassie’ Erasmus will be announced as the new DOR in the coming days, or perhaps as early as Monday evening.

It is believed that Munster CEO Garret Fitzgerald will host a press briefing later, where the South African will be confirmed.

According to reports, Erasmus had also been linked with Conor O’Shea’s current role at Harlequins, but has opted to base himself in Limerick.

Erasmus is the current the Springboks high-performance general manager, and it is understood he will leave that role after the June series against Ireland.

His reasons for leaving are yet unclear, but there are suggestions that there has been some internal tension in SA Rugby that has meant the 43-year-old is prepared to leave his role.

There are also reports that Jacques Nienaber may also be part of the Erasmus ticket to arrive in Limerick this summer, with more details expected to be confirmed later.

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