Penney unfazed by loss of big names

Munster coach Rob Penney has quickly bought into the Irish way of doing things, evidenced by his reaction to losing nine players and a key backroom colleague to Ireland yesterday.

Penney gave his players and coach Anthony Foley the thumbs up as they prepare for a move away from provincial action into the realm of international rugby from Sunday.

The New Zealand coach described Munster’s representation as a fantastic honour, but expressed sympathy for Damien Varley and Mike Sherry who lost out.