Williams to remain with Munster

JIM WILLIAMS will remain with Munster in a coaching capacity for at least a year.

Munster’s director of coaching Declan Kidney will meet with officials tomorrow and is expected to nominate Williams as a coaching assistant.

Rumours abounded this week about Williams’ future in Ireland. He had been linked with a coaching position in Japan, but Kidney is apparently anxious to have the inspirational former Australian international and ex-Munster captain on board.

Munster chief executive Garret Fitzgerald declined to comment but did remark: “We will be meeting with Declan officially on June 1 and many issues will be discussed.

“Nothing has been officially finalised in relation to the remainder of the coaching team for next year. That will be the subject of discussion with the director of rugby.”

However, the fact that Williams remained in Ireland following Munster’s Celtic Cup victory over Llanelli, and that he has been involved in commercial engagements over the last couple of days, suggests strongly that he is here for another year at least.

Meanwhile, it appears there is no problem with the signing of South African international centre Trevor Halstead, who starred in the Barbarians victory over England last week.

Reports from South Africa suggested that Halstead was still wanted by Super 12 side Natal Sharks, particularly after the departure of coach Kevin Putt, with whom Halstead did not see eye to eye. However, Fitzgerald confirmed yesterday that the player had already signed a contract. “He is our player and is expected to arrive in Ireland early in July.”

The validity of the contract is, of course, subject to Halstead passing a medical examination.