Ronan O'Gara: Welsh rugby is the cautionary tale that Munster must heed

Frankly, I don’t remember Munster as low. The notion they ‘aren’t far away’ comes off as a little fanciful now.

Munster's Jack Crowley interacts with fans after the defeat by Exeter. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

I had a strange day on Wednesday. The fundamentals of this job mean you are always planning for next season even when the six inches in front of your face is all that matters for now. The players were off. It offers thinking time, reflection time.

I took a call from a friend in Munster and we shared anxieties. We have six Top 14 games remaining to achieve a Houdini act and make it into the play-offs and the top eight to ensure Champions Cup rugby next season. We currently sit ninth.