Munster to lose Penney as coach at season's end

Munster Rugby confirmed this afternoon that head coach Rob Penney and back coach Simon Mannix will leave the provincial team at the end of this season.

Rob Penney's contract was for two years with the option to extend his contract for an additional third year. He has declined the offer of this extension.

Simon Mannix joined Munster alongside Penney, and has also annonuced his departure.

It is not yet clear where either of the coaching team plan to move to.

Chief Executive of Munster Rugby, Garrett Fitzgerald, paid tribute to the pair in a statement.

"Rob has been a very positive influence on this Munster squad and management and we are disappointed to see him go as we had hoped that he would fulfil his third season," he said.

" In developing the squad he has highlighted the strength and depth of the Munster panel, with the competition for places as high as ever."

Munster currently top the RaboDirect Pro12 table with 15 out of 18 wins, and are performing strongly in the Heineken Cup.