All Black Smith tipped off Reds

Munster may have Wayne Smith to thank if their new head coach Rob Penney turns out to be a success with the two-time Heineken Cup winners.

The province believe they have found the right man in the 48-year-old Penney to take their team forward as successor to Australia-bound Tony McGahan from next season.

Munster chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald has revealed that while discussions with Smith regarding the vacancy were ruled out by the former All Blacks coach — as was England’s approach for the highly regarded Kiwi’s services — he did have a role in recommending their eventual choice.