As September and the start of a new season grow nearer, Munster will be eager to put the 2015/16 season behind them.
The three-time Pro12 winners were lucky to receive a place in this year’s Champions Cup after finishing sixth last year and third in their Champions Cup pool.
And with a large portion of their senior leadership such as Paul O’Connell and Peter O’Mahoney unavailable last year, either due to retirement or injury, Munster concluded one of their most worst seasons in disappointing fashion.
However, while eight players have been shown the door by the Irish province, only four signings have been confirmed.
Tighthead prop John Andress has been signed from Edinburgh, seemingly in an attempt to counter recent problems Munster have found in their scrummaging.
While Ulster centre Sam Arnold and second-rows Darren O’Shea and Jean Kleyn from Worcester the Stormers respectively have also joined the two-time Heineken Cup winners.
Yet despite the four arrivals, more signings must be made if Munster are to improve on last year’s finish as areas of concern such as fly-half have yet to be resolved by the club.
It would seem coach Anthony Foley is choosing to deal with these problems with his current selection of players.
The new Director of Rugby, South African Johan “Rassie” Erasmus, who was the General Manager High Performance with the Springboks, will hope to turn Munster’s fortunes in the coming season.
Early reports on Erasmus’ influence indicate a focus on heightened physicality.
Munster have an abundance of questions to answer before they are able to reclaim their former status or they may be forced to acknowledge a new place within the changing hierarchy of the Irish provinces.
