O’Gara rules out return to Munster

Munster legend Ronan O’Gara has ruled out a fairytale return to the province as head coach in the wake of Rob Penney’s shock decision to turn down a contract extension.

The former out-half was touted as part of a possible indigenous ticket with Anthony Foley to take over next season, but in today’s Irish Examiner, O’Gara insists: “I will be in Paris again next season. I am adamant about that.”

Munster are likely to trawl both hemispheres seeking the right candidate, but O’Gara writes it is crucial to retain a Munster voice. “And the obvious candidate is Anthony Foley. Don’t get hung up on the job title. In some respects job titles are irrelevant — good coaches just want to work with good coaches.”