Rugby:Munster coach Tony McGahan is expected to be ratified as the new Wallabies defence coach at an Australian Rugby Union (ARU) board meeting on Friday. Munster this morning confirmed he is leaving the province at the end of the current season, having privately informed the playing staff of his decision this week.
McGahan had been offered a rolling one year-contract with the province but the lure of working with Robbie Deans and the Wallabies proved too tempting for the Australian.
McGahan initially arrived at Thomond Park in 2005 as defence coach before going on to take over the reins from Declan Kidney three years later.
Last year, he guided his side to a celtic league win, but saw them bow out of the Heineken Cup in the pool stages. They responded to that this year, by winning six from six in the first round.
Under Deans, McGahan will be joining up with former Munster great Jim Williams, who many Munster would fans would see as an ideal replacement for the outgoing Australian.
Given his current commitments, however, and Munster’s habit of promoting from within, a successor is likely to be chosen from closer to home, with current forwards/defence coach and former Ireland number eight Anthony Foley, who admitted he is flattered to be linked with the role, the early favourite.
However, external candidates like former Ireland manager Eddie O’Sullivan and former Italy boss John Kirwan are available and, no doubt, willing.O'Sulivan's agent has already confirmed he would be interested in the position.
Harlequins coach Conor O’Shea recently agreed an extension with the club until 2014, but Queenslander Steve Meehan, formerly of Bath, might also be considered a candidate.
Meanwhile, the Munster squad to face Cardiff Blues in the Pro 12 at Thomond Park this Friday has been named.
McGahan is without eight sneior players - Paul O’Connell , Donncha O’Callaghan, Conor Murray, Keith Earls, Donncha Ryan, Peter O’Mahony, Ronan O’Gara and Denis Hurley - who have international commitments, while they have nine out injured.
Munster squad: Marcus Horan, Wian du Preez, John Ryan, Stephen Archer, BJ Botha, Damien Varley, Denis Fogarty, Sean Henry, Mick O'Driscoll, Billy Holland, Dave Foley, Ian Nagle, Dave O'Callaghan, Tommy O'Donnell, Paddy Butler, James Coughlan, Tomas O'Leary, Duncan Williams, Cathal Sheridan, Ian Keatley, Scott Deasy, Sean Scanlon, Luke O'Dea, Simon Zebo, Lifeimi Mafi, Danny Barnes, Johne Murphy, Felix Jones.
Not available due to injury (9): David Wallace (knee), Jerry Flannery (calf), Darragh Hurley (back), Tom Gleeson (shoulder), Doug Howlett (achilles), Denis Leamy (hip), Niall Ronan (knee), Mike Sherry (thumb).
Referee: Leighton Hodges (WRU).
