Munster must cast coaching net wide
Ronan O’Gara has called on Munster to launch a worldwide search for their next coach with Tony McGahan set to leave to join Australia at the close of the Pro12 season.
Munster have had a disappointing run of form after they lost three of their last four games and crashed out of the Heineken Cup to countrymen Ulster in a shock 22-16 defeat on Sunday.
And despite lying third in the Pro12 league, the Irish flyhalf admitted the defeat to Ulster had caused him to think about the future of his club.
Former Munster ‘A’ coach Anthony Foley is the favourite to succeed McGahan but O’Gara insists Munster should take special care when deciding who to hand the reins to.
“I’ve heard rumblings but I haven’t put any great thought into it because I thought there was an awful lot left in this season,” O’Gara told the Irish Examiner.
“It’s come into my mind in the last 24 hours. You’d hope they trawl the world for the best possible coach.
“It’s such a big job, the right decision has to be made. It would appeal to a lot of coaches.
“It’s interesting. Joe Schmidt was a backs coach but he’s raved about now in Irish rugby.
“Tony McGahan wouldn’t have had much pedigree before coming over here but he was very good. It’s important to have the right man.
“You have to take the best option. I just think everything has to be considered in terms of what’s being filled here. Axel [Anthony Foley] may well be the best candidate, but you’re placing your trust in these people to ensure they have examined every possible situation to come up with the best possible coach. That’s what’s needed.”
While O’Gara was keen for Munster to come up with the right man he has ruled himself out of management – for the time being.
“I love rugby – I love Munster and Irish rugby, but I don’t know [about coaching],” he added.
“The big thing for me is playing well and doing my best for the team. Because we lost last weekend, nothing much has changed in my mind in that regard.
“I’m disappointed but I won’t be going to the coaching side for a while yet.”
