Rugby:The existing Munster rugby coaching ticket has been locked in for an extended period with today's news that forwards coach Laurie Fisher, backs coach Jason Holland and team manager Shaun Payne all renewed their contracts with the Irish province.
The news comes after head coach Tony McGahan recently extended his contract and is surely good news for the two-time European champions, who last month reached their 12th successive Heineken Cup quarter-final.
"The management here are working hard to challenge the playing group and provide an environment where success can be achieved. I believe that continuity and stability are vital to this ambition,” said McGahan.
“So to have Shaun, Laurie and Jason sign for the forseeable future is great news for Munster rugby. Their work ethic, professionalism and knowledge of the game has been an integral part of this club's ethos and I'm delighted we'll be continuing our work together."
Payne added that negotiations regarding player contracts were progressing positively and he expected to be in a position to clarify the situation towards the end of the month.
"Rather than deal with contract renewals on a player to player basis, I think it better to deal with the issue collectively,” he said. “People like Tony and myself have been away on a break, so too some of the players, some are still abroad.
“But we're happy with the way things are progressing in that regard and hopefully will be able to announce our squad plans after the Six Nations has concluded."