Rugby: The incoming Munster coach Rob Penney has made his first major change to his backroom team, brining Simon Mannix as the province's new backs coach. Mannix was released by Racing this season after five years working with their backline and will team up with his fellow Kiwi in the coming weeks.

The majority of Munster’s squad – excluding those involved in Ireland’s end of season tour to New Zelaand – are due to report for training on June 19th with the new management ticket already organising pre-season friendlies in France and England at the start of August.

Penney, who has enjoyed sustained success with Canterbury in New Zealand, was appointed to succeed Tony McGahan who leaves the province to take up a role with the Australian national team. Anthony Foley, who also interviewed for the position of head coach, will continue to work with the forwards.

"We're delighted that Simon has agreed terms and believe his playing experience in two hemispheres plus his coaching experience at the top level in France will complement the recent appointment of Rob Penney and existing position of Anthony Foley,” Munster chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald said today.