Botha backs Foley to take over at Munster

Munster prop BJ Botha has endorsed Anthony Foley as the man to take the provincial reins following the departure of Tony McGahan at the end of the season.

The South African, in his first season with Munster following a summer transfer from Ulster, also paid tribute to McGahan but said the Irish Rugby Football Union’s proposal for limits on overseas players in the provinces were “quite unrealistic”.

Speaking on Setanta’s iTalkSport yesterday, Botha expressed his wish to stay with Munster — “very much so” — beyond his two-year deal which expires in June 2013.

That hope though, may depend on the IRFU’s Player Succession plans which would allow for just one overseas player per position across the four provinces and Botha said foreign stars were a help to Irish rugby, not a hindrance.

“I take the opinion I’m trying to give a little advice to the guys when I can,” Botha said.

“I try to bring guys through and create an environment where we can bring up the level in all positions.

“We’ve seen other internationals that are irreplaceable, like (Leinster’s) Isa Nacewa.

“Teams need those guys to help them perform on the European stage.

“I think it’s important to bring the guys up for sure but they’re married together.

“I don’t think you can have four unions competing together with Irish-only players. That’s quite unrealistic at the moment.”

Botha said McGahan had been “sensational” and asked if Anthony Foley was ready to take over, he said: “Yeah. I know Anthony as our forwards coach so he deals with us much more often. Munster create an environment where we look after ourselves on and off the field.”

Foley will today begin in earnest his role as Ireland’s forwards coach for the rest of the Six Nations, having been seconded from Munster to cover for Gert Smal.

Ireland will also assess the knocks picked up in the 42-10 win over Italy with a groin problem suffered by Rob Kearney the chief concern.