Munster rope in weathered coach

NEWS: Munster has acquired the services of Alex Codling to join the province as a forward consultant.

Codling, currently forwards coach with the Ireland Women’s team, will work with Munster on an interim basis as the recruitment process for a permanent appointment continues.

Codling will undertake a dual role with the 51-year-old also fulfilling his responsibilities with the Ireland Women’s team ahead of the 2025 Women’s Six Nations, which begins in March.

Munster parted ways with forwards coach Andi Kyriacou last week.

The experienced former Newcastle Falcons, Oyonnax and Harlequins coach will be on board for the Six Nations next March, but for the time being, he’ll work with Ian Costello, Mike Prendergast, and Denis Leamy as Munster prepare to host the Lions when the United Rugby Championship resumes this Saturday.

Codling joined the Ireland women’s set-up at the beginning of this season and worked with the squad during their successful WXV1 campaign.

Munster is still looking for a replacement for head coach Graham Rowntree, who also left the club recently.

There are rumours that Stuart Lancaster is being lined up for the role appear to be wide off the mark, with Prendergast still the favourite to step up and replace Graham Rowntree.

Munster host the Lions in the URC on Saturday.