Jason Holland Definatly gone!!!

2005 - 2007 ROG was the best 10 in the NH.

Can't be arsed to find the quote, but in one of the Irish dailies earlier I read a line which seemed to hint strongly that the backs coach is done and dusted - they expected to make the announcement, along with Shaun Payne's replacement by the end of the month.

If they weren't at the crossing t's and dotting i's stage, things could not move that fast. NO'D hinted at for Manager, which would be a fair choice. No name in press yet for backs.

That's fair enough (and surprisingly generous of you Cammy) but the game has moved on and we need to move with it.
ROG could still be effective if he had a tank of a 12 next to him, straightening the line. Individually Downey & ROG might not excite the imagination but together they could be a fairly effective (if one dimensional) pairing.

I'd like to see Keatley get a proper shot of it next year.

For as much as I know - full well - that Munster very badly need a backs/attack coach; I am not unhappy to see the preponderance of forwards involved in the set-up. We had taken our eye off the ball very badly over the past three or four years IMO and expended way too much effort in pursuit of all things 'backline'.

Worse - we didn't even do a particularly good job of delivering that 'all things backline'. We sling the ball about, but largely to little effect.

Slightly concerned that we don't have the playing personnel to necessarily suit a return to a more direct gameplan - but would be happy to see us go after that plan and work on the playing personnel accordingly.

What are you on about? Penney will be head coach directing how we play all over the park,Foley will be organising the forwards and we'll have a backs coach,that's hardly overkill.

Add in NO'D coming in - possibly - albeit in a non-coaching role. That man knows his low-digits apples. Not a bad fella to have on hand, regardless of his role.

That was my thinking MVP.

ROG and Downey could work but again only at the lower levels.

ROG would need Roberts outside him at the higher levels to be effective.

You have to go for broke and start with Keatley. Exciting times if that happens, depending on what willie means about the new FH coming in we could see Sexton as the elder statesman across the provinces.

Friday, May 04, 2012

By Conor George

ROB PENNEY plans on introducing a new and “highly credible” backs’ coach to the Munster management team within the next few weeks.

Speaking from New Zealand this morning the incoming Munster Head of Coaching was hugely enthusiastic about working with Anthony Foley (forwards), adding his own twist to the Munster legend, helping wring the best from Munster’s veterans and continuing the development of the younger generation.

The process of appointing a backs’ coach is, he also revealed, well underway. “Well some would say that even though I was a number 8 – 101 Canterbury caps – I played loose enough to be a back!

“Plans are in place to bring in a backs’ coach. Without, as you can appreciate, naming names we have someone in mind and if things go to plan we will be introducing a new face as the backs’ coach in the coming weeks.”

And lest anyone be in any doubt about Penney’s ambitions, winning silverware is something he insists that goes to the very core of his being and coaching philosophy.

“I am really driven by success. Brad Thorn with Leinster said something to me that resonates. He’s a good example of a guy who got to the top and is determined to maximise everything while there.

“And what he said was ‘mate, it’s all about collecting silverware’.

“That resonates with me. As a coach I love planning the strategies that will get players and teams to the top.

“I am driven to be successful and have a winning philosophy. And at the same time I truly believe that the developmental process must go hand-in-hand.”

Penney’s CV is a hugely impressive one. As well as being forwards’ coach with Crusaders when they won the then Super 12 title in 2005 he is the current All Blacks U20 coach and has spent the last nine years with Canterbury, leading them to four successive ITM Cup titles since 2008.

Crucially, though, he is also steeped in the Crusaders Academy set-up, coached the Christchurch U16 side to their league title this season – “I’m very proud of that!” – and fully understands that Munster remains a side in transition.

He is also mindful of the reality that many of Munster’s stalwarts have entered or are entering the twilight of their careers.

“Part of my job is to help the likes of Paul O’Connell and Ronan O’Gara maximise their careers, ensure they do leave a magnificent legacy and also that those coming through to ultimately take their places have the confidence to do just that.”

Another invaluable asset will be Penney’s ability to successfully integrate international players into the fold on an ongoing basis.

“We would have had All Blacks coming and going a lot during the NPC with Canterbury and it’s all about finding that balance between having the younger generation come up to the speed and standards of the older guys while ensuring that there is minimum disruption when the internationals are back.

“And Munster have that with internationals coming back just before European games. That’s a challenge, and one I’m looking forward to.”

Penney will arrive in Munster in the middle to July with his wife and two youngest (15 & 17) children. The oldest (20) will remain in New Zealand and he will base himself on the outskirts of Limerick.

“It makes sense with University of Limerick and Thomond Park where they are.”

And while Munster’s long term goal is obviously to have one training base for the franchise Penney is mindful of the history and tradition of the dual mandate.
“I understand the history and rationale of the two bases and I am coming into Munster with my eyes open in that regard.

“I know that there have been discussions in the past with regard to having one training base but Cork and Limerick are crucially important to Munster and I will be very much in favour of doing what’s best for Munster.

“Look the twin training bases is unique in world rugby. But unique doesn’t make it wrong.”

Penney this morning also dismissed the myth that Northern Hemisphere rugby is looked down on by those in the Southern Hemisphere and emphasised that the tradition and history of Munster, in particular, is well known and highly regarded.

“I was a teenager when Munster beat the All Blacks and remember it quite well.

“Munster are a real powerhouse in European rugby circles and have an astonishing consistency in Europe.

“They are among the best in Europe and people in New Zealand are very aware of their proud history and traditions. I certainly was. The game is played slightly differently in the different Hemispheres but different isn’t better or worse.

“I have seen a lot of the RaboDirect and the Heineken Cup and these competitions are fantastic ones with a great standard.”

Penny is also hugely looking forward to working with the Munster players, young and old.

“The likes of Paul O’Connell, Ronan O’Gara and Doug Howlett are world class players and I am enthused by the work and quality of the generation coming through underneath.

“I spoke to some players when I was over in Munster and what I sensed was a desperate desire to do well, to win trophies and that is what I hope to help them achieve.

“They are also, I felt, ready for a slight shift and hopefully I can help inspire them to produce quality and successful rugby.

“I want to help these guys win silverware. Like I said it’s what drives me and I know it’s what drives them.”

Just as well given Chief Executive Garrett Fitzgerald’s none too subtle reminder that next season’s Heineken Cup final will be held in the Aviva Stadium!

“No pressure then mate!

“A major part of our focus will be performance based. And part and parcel of that will be ensuring we are in contention to grab silverware.

“The Heineken Cup is a crucial part of Munster’s drive every season and if we are playing good rugby, exciting rugby and inspiring rugby then outcomes tend to take care of themselves,” added Penney.

Part of my job is to help the likes of Paul O’Connell and Ronan O’Gara maximise their careers,

2005 - 2007 ROG was the best 10 in the NH.

For as much as I know - full well - that Munster very badly need a backs/attack coach; I am not unhappy to see the preponderance of forwards involved in the set-up. We had taken our eye off the ball very badly over the past three or four years IMO and expended way too much effort in pursuit of all things 'backline'.

Worse - we didn't even do a particularly good job of delivering that 'all things backline'. We sling the ball about, but largely to little effect.

Slightly concerned that we don't have the playing personnel to necessarily suit a return to a more direct gameplan - but would be happy to see us go after that plan and work on the playing personnel accordingly.

John Haggart is being mentioned as a possibility for backs coach.

John Haggart is being mentioned as a possibility for backs coach.

Hmmmm. Profile reads good. He isnt Jason Holland, Tony McGahan or Alan Gaffney. So is straight away way up there as the best backs coach Munster have ever had.


I know I am being a bit harsh, but 3 years of running sideways and passing to the wing in the hope Dougie will do something has made me bitter

Amen, brother.

Can any Kiwi posters give us the low down on Haggart?

John Haggart
Former Otago and Highlanders assistant coach, Former Championship winning Canterbury Assistant Coach, Current Canterbury Rugby International High Performance Unit Manager.
The former long-serving Otago first-five-eighths (119 appearances) got formally involved within the New Zealand age-group system from 1994, assisting with both the national Under-19s and Under-21s. He joined the Canterbury coaching staff in 2006 and coached Canterbury to Air New Zealand Cup success in 2008 along with Rob Penney.

Can any Kiwi posters give us the low down on Haggart?

He wouldn't be a very high profile signing.

His coaching background is largely as a developer and nurturer of young talent, with a strong academy background at both provincial and S15 level. He was backs coach in 2008, when Penney won the first of his four titles. Canterbury's backline didn't exactly do that much in 2008, but some good young players were brought up through the ranks.

I've said it before, I think he'd be fantastic on TV. Every statement would be self-serving admittedly, but a bit like how Keane has been going on ITV, he'd tell it like it is and have no qualms about pissing people off.

All Black Smith tipped off Reds

By Simon Lewis

Saturday, May 05, 2012

Munster may have Wayne Smith to thank if their new head coach Rob Penney turns out to be a success with the two-time Heineken Cup winners.

The province believe they have found the right man in the 48-year-old Penney to take their team forward as successor to Australia-bound Tony McGahan from next season.

Munster chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald has revealed that while discussions with Smith regarding the vacancy were ruled out by the former All Blacks coach — as was England’s approach for the highly regarded Kiwi’s services — he did have a role in recommending their eventual choice.

"I’ve got to know him quite a bit in recent times," Fitzgerald said. "I’m not surprised he turned down England. He needed some time for his family at home in Hamilton. After seven straight years with the All Blacks, did he really want to turn into another full-time position on the other side of the world? We spoke to him early in the process to establish if he was interested in coming to Munster. He was one of the people who was very helpful to us in our consultations not just with Rob Penney but with many other people as well."

Speaking in the match programme for tonight’s RaboDirect clash with Ulster, Fitzgerald reiterated what most impressed him and the selection panel about Penney.

"We met him once and interviewed him a second time on Skype. He’s an impressive individual, and comes from an excellent rugby background with the Crusaders, who would be renowned worldwide. They would see themselves as a very Munster-type of outfit — not from the capital, always producing quality players and wining trophies. He played for Canterbury, has coached at least four of the recent NPC titles too. The references from the highest level of coaching in New Zealand couldn’t have spoke more highly of him. We spent a lot of time on that aspect of the process.

"He has a very good understanding of the game of rugby, where it is today and where it is going. I think we’ve secured a good person with excellent rugby knowledge and experience. We consulted sensibly, locally and abroad.

"I’m happy we’ve got the right man, but he will, like any coach, be judged on results. People were talking about [Leinster’s] Joe Schmidt being fired after 10 weeks, and now he is considered the top coach in Europe."

Read more: http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugb ... z1u5zEMa1x

FROM THE BLINDSIDE: Once the new Munster coach has Foley pulling for him the rest will follow. There can’t be any divide because players will pick up on it

IN THE middle of reading about Munster’s new coach Rob Penney the other day, I noticed an odd little fact. Both his current club Canterbury and his soon-to-be new one Munster were founded in the same year, 1879. That’s 133 years apiece of new faces and old faces, victories and defeats, fights and make-ups, all leading to where we will be in two months’ time with a guy travelling half the planet to leave one club for the other.

There’s a lot of history behind all of us.

Penney’s first job when he gets here will be to form a relationship with Anthony Foley. That’s the most important thing he will do in the early days of his time with Munster. He needs to appoint a manager and a backs coach as well but he has to win over Foley from the start.

He needs him onside first and foremost because once he has Foley pulling for him the rest will obviously follow. There can’t be any divide between them because players will pick up on it straight away.

But there’s a bit more to it than that. Foley will obviously be disappointed not to have got the job himself. I personally think he’s better off as the number two just for the moment because there’s a difficult period coming up for Munster and if former England coach Martin Johnson’s demise told us anything, it’s that going into a really high-pressure job at a difficult time isn’t ideal for a new coach starting out.

Johnson’s reputation has taken a big hit as a result and I wouldn’t like the same happen to Anthony.

But I know he wanted it and with the best will in the world, it would take anybody a bit of time to get over the disappointment of not being given a shot. Foley will move on quickly and will give Penney all the help he needs – it was no surprise to me when I heard him say last week that he was pretty humbled by Foley’s attitude to the whole situation the first time he talked to him. But it will be up to the new man to forge that alliance between the pair of them and to start forming relationships with the players through Foley.

A new coach puts everyone on their toes. The first day he arrives, you’ll hardly be able to find a parking space at Munster’s training ground for the amount of guys who will be getting there early. If you’re a player, you will be trying to get his attention as quickly as possible. It will still only be pre-season at that stage but right off the bat you don’t want to be doing anything stupid or negative to create a bad first impression.

Meanwhile, even as they’re trying to impress the new guy, players will be sizing him up as well. What’s he like? Where’s he coming from? Does he favour one type of player or personality over another?

But most of all, how honest is he? If you asked every player in the world the one thing they would look for in a coach above all else, I’d say honesty and integrity would top most lists.

A coach can be innovative, he can be a great motivator, he can know the game inside out and back to front. But if players think he isn’t 100 per cent straight-up and honest in his dealings with them, none of the rest will matter.

When it comes down to it, players want to play. Everything else in their lives just feeds into that need for game-time. The coach is a million different things to a player – game analyst, facilitator, tone-setter – but most of all he’s the guy who picks the team. If you’ve been dropped or if you’re being passed over for somebody else on a consistent basis, the coach needs to give you an honest reason why it’s happening.

Penney is coming in to take charge of a group of 35-40 players so on a weekly basis he’s going to be disappointing more players than he’ll be making happy. It’s the same in any coaching job and the guys who rise to the top are the ones who give it to the players straight.

I was never able to accept being left off a team but as long as I didn’t go away feeling a coach was messing me about, I was willing to do everything I could for him. I always saw the coach as being there to be impressed, as someone for me to show as much passion and hunger as I could to. The way I saw it, he was the facilitator of my hopes and dreams and I needed him to be someone I could put my trust in.

I needed to know that there was always a way into the team if I wasn’t on it. If a coach told me that he decided to go with somebody else but here are the things I need to work on, I would still be disappointed but I’d go away and do what he said. But if he told me one thing and then a few days later one of the other coaches told me something else, that would drive me mad. It would drive any player mad.

The doubt in your mind makes you start wondering if they’re taking you seriously at all. Everyone thinks they should be playing and everyone gives out about the coach when they’re not but as long as the players have a level of certainty as to the reasons, they will wear it.

Mixed messages are the worst thing any coaching ticket can send out, which is why Penney’s relationship with Foley is going to be so important.

His next most vital relationship will be with the senior players. With younger guys, a new coach has to help them find their way in the game. He has to improve their skills, build up their mentality, possibly mentor them through an important phase in their career. The senior guys don’t care about any of that. They just want to win.

You only have to look at Chelsea in the Premier League to see what happens when you don’t get the senior players in your camp from the off. Andre Villas-Boas tried to make too many changes too quickly, results went against them and senior players started exerting their influence in the background. That kind of thing will marginalise a new coach very quickly, especially if the team is losing.

It doesn’t matter what sport you’re playing, the coach has to have a core of experienced, influential guys in the team who are pulling in the same direction as him. Chelsea have won the FA Cup and are in the Champions League final now and their best players since Villas-Boas left have been Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba. Interim manager Roberto Di Matteo very quickly got them back in the team and got them playing for him and success has followed. It isn’t always that simple but a lot of the time it is.

Penney met Paul O’Connell, Ronan O’Gara and Doug Howlett when he was over here and said he came away impressed with their desire to win more trophies. I’d nearly be surprised to find out they talked about anything else. When you get close to the end, all you give a damn about is getting more medals and winning more competitions. They don’t care who the coach is as long as that’s the outcome. So any new coach knows he needs to get them onside from the start.

Once Penney has Foley and the senior players driving his agenda, he can get on with the real work of reviving the province’s fortunes. Munster are in a dicey enough place at the moment. All the positivity that came with winning six pool games in the Heineken Cup went out the window with the defeat to Ulster and there will be pressure coming from the fans right from the start of the season. It’s a massive job.

Munster have done their homework in bringing him in. The easiest thing in the world would have been to give the job to Foley in the knowledge that the Munster public would give him plenty of leeway from the start. But they decided against it, leading to the situation now where the only top-rank Irish coach in the provinces next season will be Eric Elwood.

Although I do think Penney was probably the right appointment, you have to wonder what the future holds for young Irish coaches. Bernard Jackman is packing up his family to move to Grenoble next season, Michael Bradley and Mark McCall are all making their mark outside the country.

We have up-and-coming Irish coaches in the Ulster Bank League like Peter Smith and Mike Prendergast but what’s the next step for them? Most likely a few years abroad before they’re ever considered for a top job here. Even a top-class experienced coach like Eddie O’Sullivan struggles to get considered for the big jobs at home.

It’s sad but that’s the reality of the situation

Didn't know Jackman was going abroad. Hope that works out for him.

Knew some lads from Newbridge when he was coach there and they said he was useless.

Going to France as a skills coach..

"How not to throw into a lineout 101"

Is he going down to coach Fogs?

Christ that would be some combination.