Former England assistant coach Andy Farrell has joined Munster in a temporary advisory role.
The former dual-code international, who will take up a role in the Ireland set-up as defence coach after the Six Nations, will provide support to the Limerick outfit for four months.
Farrell’s appointment comes following a shambolic defeat against Stade Francais on the weekend left their European campaign all but over and continued their struggles this season.
The former England assistant will offer his expertise to Munster head coach Anthony Foley, who is currently battling speculation surrounding his own future with the province.
Quite how Farrell’s involvement in the set-up affects Foley’s position as head coach remains unclear, but Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald insists the appointment is a positive one for the club (BBC):
We have been looking for additional support for our coaching staff.
With the timely availability of an experienced coach such as Andy Farrell, we felt his inclusion would be hugely beneficial in assisting our coaching team.
Having been sacked by England alongside head coach Stuart Lancaster following the disastrous World Cup campaign, Farrell’s gardening leave prevents him from taking up his role with Ireland until after the Six Nations – although it does not stop him from being involved with Munster.
And with Farrell, rumoured to have usurped Lancaster as a leader at times during their time with England, now involved at the province, the dynamic could well change in the coaching set-up.
But Foley insisted that he does not feel undermined by Farrell’s presence:
Last week I was very positive about him (as Ireland defence coach), today I’m even more positive about him.
He’s a professional and he’s a gentleman. I think within an environment like what we have it’s about creating the best environment for our players to achieve stuff.
