The appointment of a director of rugby was meant to be a boon for Munster. It was meant to alleviate pressure on Anthony Foley, and give the province a clear direction to move forward into.
But that's certain not how it started. Right from the start of Erasmus' reign, Munster botched the introduction of the South African. Before the official announcement, Anthony Foley was brought before the media and effectively confirmed the appointment.
It was a tense exchange between Foley and the media, made all the worse by direct contradictions made by Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald after Foley left the press conference.
The conventional wisdom was that Erasmus had been in Limerick for the last week to confirm the deal, but Foley was having none of that - claiming that was “That’s all lies. It is unbelievable lies.” and that he hasn't even met his new boss yet.
What followed was just bizarre, as Foley's responses varied between extremely terse and claiming that the gathered media knew more about what was happening than he did.
When asked if he'd met Erasmus, Foley replied no. Asked if he had a part in the search for the director of rugby, again Foley replied in the negative. Bizarrely, this was later challenged by Garrett Fitzgerald who claimed
We did this in consultation with Anthony.
Foley was then asked what he made of the appointment, and just said that he was impressed with how quick the process was and credited the PGB.
Then came the question that most people are asking. How will Foley work with the new man, and what does a Director of Rugby actually do?
We’ll see.
I have asked that question and it’s what the person makes of if, so that is something ye can talk to Garrett about.
It's not a huge surprise then that there is a question mark about Foley's immediate future with Munster. Of his backroom staff, assistant coaches Ian Costello and Mick O'Driscoll are already confirmed to be leaving in the summer - with Costello moving to Nottingham, and O'Driscoll leaving rugby altogether.
I have a contract here, yeah. It’s no big deal. My whole focus is Edinburgh. This is all happening literally in the background, maybe the forefront for other people, but for us the most important thing for Munster is Edinburgh in Cork on Friday night.
To be honest, it was said to the players this morning, it was done and dusted in 30 seconds and move on. No questions. We have a massive game on Friday night. That is the most important thing for us.
Is Foley put out that there is a new man in town who will seemingly be taking most of his roles off his hands?
No, I’m fine.
This doesn't bode well for Munster's immediate future, and the relationship between Foley and Erasmus will be one to watch for as long as it lasts.
One suspects that Munster will regret how they have handled this process.
See Also: Munster Finally Announce Their New Director Of Rugby
Picture credit: Seb Daly / SPORTSFILE
