Leinster’s Alan Gaffney has been confirmed as the new Munster coach. Matt Williams assistant at Donnybrook will take charge after this season’s European Cup.
Gaffney, assistant to fellow Australian Williams since August 2000, will succeed Declan Kidney in the Munster job.
The 55-year-old, renowned as a backs specialist, had previously assisted Williams at the New South Wales under-21s and at the Waratahs in Australia.
Kidney will leave the provincial set-up to concentrate on his coaching role with Ireland, where he is assistant to Eddie O'Sullivan, when Munster bow out of the European Cup. Niall O'Donovan, Ireland's forward coach, will also leave the Munster fold.
Gaffney’s appointment is sure to add extra spice to Friday night’s much anticipated Leinster/Munster inter-provincial clash in front of a full-house at Musgrave Park.
Leinster have already beaten the hosts in this season’s Celtic League final and Munster will be seeking retribution in what will effectively be the interpro decider.