Video: Fitzgerald On Coaching Set Up

In addressing media at this afternoon’s press session, Munster Rugby CEO Garrett Fitzgerald confirmed that Rassie Erasmus will join Munster Rugby as Director of Rugby at the start of the 2016/17 season while Assistant Coach Ian Costello and Technical Advisor Mick O’Driscoll are to leave the province at the end of the current campaign.

Ian Costello has held the role of Assistant Coach, with responsibility for defence and kicking, for the past two seasons and has worked with the Munster Rugby squad since 2011.  The Limerick based coach has also held roles at Munster U20, Munster A and academy level, leading the province to a British and Irish Cup title with Munster A in 2012.  A former Director of Rugby of UL Bohemian RFC, Costello has been offered a coaching position elsewhere from next season.

One of only seven players to reach the 200 cap milestone for Munster, Mick O'Driscoll retired at the end of the 2011/12 season after making 207 appearances over a 14-year period.  The Cork-man coached with Presentation Brothers College, Cork and Cork Constitution before re-joining the province in July 2014 as Munster A Head Coach and Technical Advisor to the senior squad.  O’Driscoll indicated his intention to depart the province at the end of this season in looking to pursue personal business opportunities, and the former international lock is not ruling out a return to coaching in the future.

Commenting on the departures, Garrett Fitzgerald commented, “We wish to thank Ian and Mick for their contribution to Munster Rugby and wish them both every success in the future.  They have been long serving members of this organisation and their dedication and professionalism across various ranks has been second to none.”
 
As confirmed in March, Anthony Foley will continue as Munster Rugby Head Coach for the 2016/17 season.
 
Fitzgerald also spoke at length on the appointment of Johan 'Rassie' Erasmus as Director of Rugby at the province.