It looks increasingly likely that Eddie O'Sullivan will replace Simon Mannix as Munster backs coach. The Irish Independent reports that interviews have been held this week with prospective backs and forwards coaches and the Youghal native has emerged as the front runner for to replace New Zealander Mannix.
It would be O'Sullivan's first coaching role with his home province. He has been working in an advisory this season role with Garryowen, who were relegated for the first time in the club's history. He was overlooked for the role as Connacht head coach last year.
It appears then that new coach Anthony Foley, who will take the reins at the end of the current season, is a fan of O'Sullivan's approach. The Limerick man was a back-row stalwart during the first half of O'Sullivan's seven-year stint as national team head coach.
Of the current Munster squad, only Paul O'Connell and Donncha O'Callaghan wore green under O'Sullivan. Keith Earls just missed out, making his debut in the autumn of 2008 after the now 55-year-old left the national setup after the shambolic 2007 World Cup and 2008 Six Nations campaigns.
