Penney reveals he would ‘very much like to stay’ at Munster

Munster head coach Rob Penney has spoken for the first time about his wish to stay in charge of the province beyond his initial two-year deal.

Penney, 49, revealed yesterday he was discussing a new contract with Munster Rugby for next season, his current deal set to expire next summer.

He joined Munster from Canterbury in his native New Zealand ahead of the 2012-13 campaign, succeeding Australian Tony McGahan. The province went through a roller coaster first season under the Kiwi, failing to reach the RaboDirect Pro12 play-offs but reaching the Heineken Cup semi-finals, narrowly losing to French powerhouse Clermont Auvergne.

Penney has come in for criticism for implementing a more varied game plan at Munster, putting emphasis on players making their own decisions and encouraging more expansive play in tandem with the more traditional elements of the two-time European champions’ forward-orientated style.

After that first season saw plenty of teething problems in that objective, Penney has been rewarded this season with more consistent play and Munster are currently top of the league with a four-point cushion over arch-rivals Leinster.

There is still work to do in the Heineken Cup after a surprise loss in the opening pool game at Edinburgh, one of just two defeats this season, and Munster have a must-win game at home to Perpignan this Sunday at Thomond Park.

Yet Penney believes reaching his objectives is at least a three-year project and is keen to secure an extension to his two-year deal.

“It’s that time of year [for talks] but it mightn’t happen for another four or five months,” Penney told TV3. “I’d very much like to stay. I always thought it would be a three-year process.”

The New Zealander has more immediate concerns in dealing with Pool 1 leaders Perpignan, whom they face at home and then away six days later in southern France. Penney, though, is not even looking beyond this weekend.

“We have to do a job at home otherwise there’s no point jumping on the plane to Perpignan if we don’t do the job at home,” Penney said.

“So, one step at a time.

“We’re just focusing on our performance on Sunday at Thomond Park, put in a great performance and hopefully get the result on the back of that.”