Could a little coaching musical chairs in France pave the way for a new coach at Munster next season? Declan Kidney will give up the reins of the Irish provincial champions at the end of their involvement in this season's European Cup to take over his new role as assistant coach to the Ireland team.

Given that Munster are likely to make the semi-finals that issue should not arise for some time. Speculation is mounting that Kidney's assistant at Munster, Niall O'Donovan, might land the forwards role with the Ireland team. If not, he may be offered the Munster position but given his work commitments, he may prefer the number two coaching role.

It is therefore possible the IRFU may demonstrate some prescience in looking at the events that unfolded at Stade Franτais during the week. John Connolly, the former Queensland coach who took the club to last season's European Cup final, is to be replaced at the end of the season by former Springbok coach Nick Mallett.

The decision will have come as something of a surprise to Connolly, even allowing for the fact that Stade Franτais have been struggling somewhat in the French Championship. Club president Max Guazzini made the decision and had wanted to inform Connolly privately but the news broke in the media beforehand. Mallett has signed a two-year contract.

Connolly will be without a club next June and there would be a certain irony if he were to be approached about the Munster position given the fact he masterminded the Irish province's downfall in last season's European Cup semi-final. The highly respected Australian has already coached in Ireland in his time with Old Belvedere. His recruitment would allow the IRFU to bring in a frontline coach and help ease the passing of Kidney, whose tenure in charge has been a huge success.

Connolly would have the coaching pedigree and respect for the position. Obviously Munster will not be the only team with which he is linked. Struggling Zurich Premiership club Bath have also been linked with him and it would allow the coach to be reunited with former Queensland and Australian hooker Michael Foley. The latter has recently taken up a post as assistant coach to Jon Callard. Connolly has denied being in negotiation with the club.

Mallet previously lived and played club rugby in France for nine years.