ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Munster legend Donnacha O'Callaghan tips left field choice as next head coach

BY Philip Bendon  ·  Monday Nov 4, 2024

Munster Rugby shocked the rugby world last week when it announced that head coach Graham Rowntree would depart the province with immediate effect.

ADVERTISEMENT

Since then, several rumours about the ‘mutual agreement’ that saw the two parties part ways have been floated. One thing is for certain: Munster needs to lock in a new head coach, with former Springbok and England assistant coach Felix Jones amongst the favourites to move into the role.

BREAKING: Graham Rowntree departs Munster by ‘mutual agreement’

Speaking about the next move for his former side, Munster great Donnacha O’Callaghan floated a rather left-field option for the vacant role on the most recent episode of his podcast ‘The Offload”.

Discussing the matter with co-host, former Ireland winger Tommy Bowe, O’Callaghan suggested that Munster should go back to their roots and appoint the coach that brought them more success than any other in Declan Kidney.

Renowned as a world-class man manager with the CV to back-up O’Callaghan’s thoughts, Kidney has not been mentioned by many as a possible candidate.

“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 gonna laugh, but I’m telling you he’s a Grand Slam, a 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.

ADVERTISEMENT

“His emotional intelligence is through the roof, his love for Munster Rugby is through the roof.

“And there’s a guy, if he’s getting f***** over by the IRFU, will kick down the door and tell them.

“The way it’s going, look at where rugby who are gone, London, Irish, he knows how to deal with a budget, he knows how to deal with players.

“In those moments I just think there’s an ace up our sleeves, it’s under our nose. We all might laugh and think of the glory days, but I’m telling you it, I’ve been around him.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Louis Rees-Zammit joins Jim Hamilton for the latest episode of Walk the Talk to discuss his move to the NFL. Watch now on RugbyPass TV

Related Articles

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Autumn Nations Series | Team Of The Week | Round One

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Former All Black flyhalf sums up English fans thoughts post loss

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Statement: Touching tribute made to prop partner as England legend ann



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

View All

Funnies

  • 23 HOURS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 1 DAY AGO

    U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major makes big claim about rugby

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

View All

Amateur

  • 100 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 101 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 124 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 124 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 124 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 23 HOURS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Marcus Smith makes big call on his future

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

View All