Penney vents grievances at IRFU recruitment policy

Munster head coach Rob Penney has hit out at the IRFU’s stance over recruiting players from overseas as he bids to build his squad for next season while Ireland’s taxation levels have meant the province has already lost out on two key signings for 2013-’14.

The retirements of both Doug Howlett and Ronan O’Gara from his first-choice backline have piled the pressure on Penney, who must plan his squad for the next campaign under the Irish governing body’s new player succession strategy, designed to promote the development of homegrown talent and avoid regular crises at Test level in key positions where the lack of depth has at times been alarming.

The IRFU policy affects Munster, Leinster and Ulster and means that for any given position, only one Non Ireland Eligible (NIE) player will be permitted to be given a contract across the three provinces.