More good news is coming the way of Munster, as Mike Prendergast has been announced as their new attack coach for next season. The 44-year-old Prendergast Limerick man was favourite to take on the role, and has also spent two stints as a player with his home province before he retired into coaching.
As a backs/skills coach he has enjoyed immense success in France with Grenoble, Oyonnax, Stade Francais, and in particular Racing 92. Under his tutelage the Racing backline has torn many a defence to shreds in both the Top 14 and the Champions Cup.
23 November 2019; Racing 92 backs coach Mike Prendergast, left, and Munster head coach Johann van Graan after the Heineken Champions Cup Pool 4 Round 2 match between Munster and Racing 92 at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Within the Munster set-up, Prendergast will replace the outgoing Stephen Larkham, who despite coming in with a big reputation, was in charge of a Munster backline who often flattered to deceive.
The news of Prendergast’s arrival comes after the announcement of Graham Rowntree as Munster’s new head coach and reports that Denis Leamy will be joining as defence coach.
According to Midi Olympique, Prendergast has stated that, "It's above all a family choice.
"I have been really happy at Racing, I have an excellent relationship with Laurent Travers and Jacky Lorenzetti, but some family matters are pushing me today to return.
“In the meantime, I hope that we will have a great end to the season and that we will offer a title to this club."
Along with the likely appointment of Denis Leamy, it is also being widely reported that Munster Academy forwards coach Andy Kyriacou will be promoted to the senior coaching set-up as well, which would complete Rowntree's the coaching ticket.
Kyriacou is a former Munster player, who enjoyed a brief loan stint with the province in 2006-07, and he also played for Ulster from 2009 to 2012.
While it certainly cause for optimism and excitement for Munster fans, expectations should be curved given the lack of progression under Van Graan, Rowntree, and Larkham.
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