Munster director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, enjoying a week off from active duty, has made little of reports linking him with the top job back home in South Africa. But he has still been a busy man, putting plans in place to ensure that under his stewardship his Munster charges continue their upward curve.

Match after match last season, Anthony Foley looked around his beloved Thomond Park and squirmed in embarrassment.