Penney places faith in Keatley

As Ronan O’Gara settles into life in Paris, Munster coach Rob Penney insists there is life after the talismanic Corkman’s departure to Racing Metro.

The Kiwi boss is confident Ian Keatley can fill the void, but warned him to be himself because “the worst thing he could do is to try to be ROG; he can’t be ROG”.

“He has to be his own man, he has to bring some traits that are his and I think he has some unique ones that can be very effective, hopefully for us and maybe for Ireland,” said Penney.

Felix Jones’ injury will keep him out for at least the first four to five weeks of the competitive season while Luke O’Dea and Keith Earls are also struggling to make it back in time.

Conor Murray and Simon Zebo are back in training but won’t be back in the fray before round three of the RaboDirect tournament. Paul O’Connell has not yet resumed training following the Lions tour and his recent marriage.