Payne appointed as Munster’s manager

MUNSTER have appointed recently retiring full-back Shaun Payne as their new team manager.

The 35-year-old South African, whose professional playing career came to an end last month, is held in high regard by the Magners League side and their supporters. Payne will be Munster’s full-time team manager with Jerry Holland remaining on in an advisory capacity. Payne will continue to play at club rugby level with UL Bohemians and could be available for Munster in pressing circumstances.

Maori star Rua Tipoki will join newcomers, Paul Warwick, Kieran Lewis and Niall Ronan in an extended 35-man Munster squad for next season, with at least ten established players likely to be included in Ireland’s World Cup squad and therefore unavailable until mid October.