Vibrant clubs essential for Munster

Anthony Foley and his new management team face a host of challenges this season, not least drawing high-flying English Premiership and French Top 14 sides Saracens and Clermont Auvergne in the pool stage of the new European Champions Cup.

While there are a lot of factors within Foley’s control, one aspect threatening the long-term competitiveness of the province is beyond the coach’s brief even if he has the influence to fight for change.

The Munster clubs’ results in the All Ireland League have become so negative that, in the not too distant future, it will have a major effect on the game in this province. It won’t matter whether its Foley, Graham Henry, Ian McGeechan or Joe Schmidt in charge of Munster because they would be attempting to produce players for the professional game with one hand tied behind their backs.