Fitzgerald says Reds will not rush coach decision

Munster chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald admits it is “common sense” to install Anthony Foley as a leading contender to succeed Rob Penney as head coach but that the search for the New Zealander’s replacement goes beyond one man.

The Munster chief executive spoke to the media yesterday, five days after Penney shocked players and supporters by announcing his intention to turn down a one-year contract extension and accept an offer with an as-yet unnamed Japanese club.

Fitzgerald said Penney’s decision was disappointing but he understood the coach’s desire to seek longer-term financial security and insisted Munster Rugby had done all it could to try and retain him.