Keyes says O’Driscoll the perfect fit for Reds

Former Irish out-half Ralph Keyes is convinced Mick O’Driscoll’s appointment to the Munster management team will ensure the province’s young talents are given the proper guidance.

O’Driscoll is Anthony Foley’s first signing since the former number 8 won the race back in February to become next season’s head coach.

O’Driscoll will join the backroom staff on a two-year contract in July and will also have responsibility for the Munster A side.

Keyes has seen O’Driscoll in a coaching role with Cork Con this year and believes he will add greatly to the set up.

“His experience as a player is immense,” said Keyes.

“Micko has been a long standing servant of Munster rugby and from that regard alone he’ll add a knowledge of the system and what it means to the camp.

“He would be technically very good. He’s been a big addition to the Cork Con set-up this year in terms of being involved in bringing through young players and he will also be doing that in terms of Munster A. He will be a bridge between the A set up and the senior side.

“Having been in Con for a season now [as joint coach], he will also have a good idea of what’s happening at club level in the province and what’s important for bringing through young players. I think it’s all good.”

O’Driscoll won 23 Irish caps, made a further 15 appearances for Ireland A and played a remarkable 207 times for Munster between 1998 and 2003 and 2005 and 2012.

In between his two stints with Munster, he played 35 times for Perpignan, even though his appearance tally there would have been much bigger but for a serious shoulder injury sustained shortly after his move to France.

The 35-year-old retired at the end of the 2011/12 season and pursued a number of successful business opportunities, including Home Instead Senior Care, while also remaining in the rugby environment with coaching spells in PBC and Cork Constitution.

“I am really looking forward to working with Anthony, team manager Niall [O’Donovan] and the team again,” said O’Driscoll.

“I was immersed in the Munster way for over a decade, playing at the top level in Ireland and France, and I believe I can call on that wealth of experience in this new role.”