Former Munster and Ireland player Donnacha O'Callaghan believes Declan Kidney could be the next man to lead Munster after Graham Rowntree's departure.
Rowntree left the province by mutual consent, and since then, the Irish side has been linked to several former players like Ronan O'Gara and Paul O'Connell.
However, O'Callaghan has suggested that Munster should consider bringing back their former assistant and head coach, Declan Kidney.
Kidney started his career as Munster's assistant coach and has since held head coaching roles with Newport Gwent Dragons, Munster, Leinster, Ireland, and most recently as Director of Rugby at London Irish.
During his career, Kidney has achieved notable success, including winning the 2009 Six Nations coupled with a Grand Slam, receiving the 2009 IRB Coach of the Year award, and reaching two Heineken Cup finals in 2006 and 2008.
Declan Kidney, Former Director of Rugby of London Irish Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast The Offload with Tommy Bowe, O'Callaghan explained why he believes Kidney should reunite with Munster.
“I actually have a different take on it; I think if you’re trying to get a beat out of this team, you actually have to go down to the foundation rock of Munster Rugby, and you need Declan Kidney back involved,” O’Callaghan said.
“I know you’re going to laugh, but I’m telling you, he’s a Grand Slam and European Cup winner, and nobody knows Munster Rugby better than that man.
“It’s sad to say that we might have to go all the way back there. But I promise you, if you put him in that environment, he will get the best out of those players."
O'Callaghan also suggested that Kidney’s emotional intelligence and love for Munster would make him an ideal candidate for the vacant role.
“His emotional intelligence is through the roof; his love for Munster Rugby is through the roof.
“And there’s a guy who, if he’s being messed around by the IRFU, will kick down the door and tell them.
“With the way things are going in rugby—look at London Irish—he knows how to work within a budget; he knows how to deal with players.
“In those moments, I just think we have an ace up our sleeve, and it’s right under our noses. We all might laugh and think of the glory days, but I’m telling you, I’ve been around him.”
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