Kidney's future looks unclear

Declan Kidney's future as Leinster coach appears unclear following a Sunday newspaper report he will be interviewed for the Munster…

Declan Kidney's future as Leinster coach appears unclear following a Sunday newspaper report he will be interviewed for the Munster coach's position to be vacated by Alan Gaffney at the end of the season.

According to the report Kidney is due to be interviewed tomorrow for the Munster post, which he held with such distinction for four years before leaving to become assistant coach with Ireland. Connacht coach Michael Bradley has also been linked with the job.

Kidney took over as director of rugby with Leinster at the start of the season, succeeding Gary Ella. Leinster were unbeaten in the pool stages of the Heineken European Cup but on Saturday crashed out 29-13 to Leicester at Lansdowne Road.

Chief executive of the Leinster Branch Mick Dawson refused to be drawn on the matter, insisting applications for jobs were private matters.

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When asked whether he could confirm or deny Kidney would be interviewed for the position of Munster coach, Dawson replied: "No." Kidney was unavailable for comment.

Compounding Leinster's heartache on what was a very disappointing weekend is the unconfirmed report that promising young flanker Shane Jennings is set to join Leicester at the end of the season.

The former Ireland under-21 forward has excelled for Leinster this season, scoring four tries in the European Cup.

John O'Sullivan

John O'Sullivan

John O'Sullivan is an Irish Times sports writer