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Another rumoured candidate has ruled out Munster return

Racing 92 backs coach Mike Prendergast, left, and Munster head coach Johann van Graan (Photo By Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Racing 92 coach Mike Prendergast has poured cold water on a return to Munster as head coach after Ronan O’Gara linked him to the soon-to-be-vacant role.

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Current Munster boss Johann van Graan is set to depart Limerick for Bath in the Gallagher Premiership at the end of the season. It’s set tongues wagging as to who will replace him at the famous Irish province, who are eager to start winning silverware again after a number of barren years for the side.

O’Gara had ruled himself out of the role in recent weeks, as has fellow Munster legend Paul O’Connell – Ireland’s forward coach.

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Mike Prendergast

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      Mike Prendergast

      We’re joined by Racing 92 attack coach Mike Prendergast to hear what it’s like organising the likes of Finn Russell, Kurtley Beale, Virimi Vakatawa, Gael Fickou and co. We discuss his route to the top, those rumours linking him with a return to Munster, his relationship with Ronan O’Gara, the heartache that’s driving Racing on and how they raise their game in Europe. Plus, we analyse the Round 3 action in the Champions Cup and look ahead to who’s going to make it through to the knockout stages. And, we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week…
      Use the code FRENCHPOD10 at checkout for 10% off any full price item at Meater.com

      The La Rochelle boss did however link his close friend and former Munster teammate Prendergast with the job. O’Gara wrote in an Irish Examiner column in December that: “Mike Prendergast and Graham Rowntree [current Munster forwards coach] could work well” when discussing the Munster job.

      Now Prendergast – who is the backs coach with Racing 92 in Paris – has seemingly ruled out a return in an interview with The French Rugby Podcast.

      “No, there’s nothing [in that]. Obviously there’s a couple of Munster coaches leaving at home at there’s an array of Irish coaches that have gone abroad in France and England.

      “Once coaches move on it’s a natural a reaction to [link them]. We’ve coaches in France in La Rochelle and Racing… It’s more that than anything else.

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      “I’m very tight with Rog. We call each a couple of times a week, exchanging rugby philosophies and general chit chat.

      “It’s in terms of that [the Munster job] no. He [Rog] is just filling his column.”

      There’s no doubt that Prendergast has the experience and acumen to take over the top job at a major European club.

      Prior to his current role in Paris, the 44-year-old worked at Grenoble, Toulon, Oyonnax and Stade Francais.

       

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      S
      Soliloquin 36 minutes ago
      Why New Zealand learned more from their July series than France

      For Fischer, many people in France are still doubting him - it’s the first time he has a full season (31 games). Before, he was always injured at some point. He’s 27, so not the youngest, and you have a younger Boudehent or Jégou behind.

      His physicality is incredible, but he didn’t prove he’s got hands. He just proved he was able to defend like a beast.

      But you know, even Cros has improved his handling skills lately, so it’s never too late!

      And he will play the Champions Cup with a solid Bayonne side, so let’s see!


      I don’t agree with ‘only Fischer’: Brennan proved he’s a great 4/7 utility player, and Galthié likes those very much (Woki or Flament). He’s 23, playing for Toulouse with high concurrence, so the prospect is good. I rate him higher than Auradou, who had a few games in the 6 Nations.

      For Depoortère, he had a more silent season than the previous one - injured at the worst moment during the Autumn Tests series - but came back strong with a Champions Cup and a solid partnership with Moefana. What could save him would be to start playing as a 12 when Moefana isn’t there, bulking up and become the new Jauzion.

      But he’s 22 and an incredible talent at 13. His height makes me think he had more potential than your fan favorite Costes or the utility player that is Gailleton.


      As for Montagne or Mallez, with the lack of quality in props, they could find a spot!

      Especially Mallez who’s got a good spot to get behind Baille at Toulouse. Neti isn’t the youngest and hasn’t an international level.


      And again, as Ugo Mola said, you never play with your best team.

      So 30-32 player is more of a 38-40, so you need back-ups.

      France knows very well how useful they can be during RWCs.

      235 Go to comments
      S
      Soliloquin 53 minutes ago
      Why New Zealand learned more from their July series than France

      Hastoy was a good prospect before the 2023 RWC, he was the fly-half who led La Rochelle to the victory in the Champions Cup final in Dublin against Leinster.

      But he made it to the squad only because Ntamack got his ACL.

      He played against Uruguay, which a terribly poor game by the French side, and since then he declined a bit, alongside his club.

      Under the pressure of Reus and West at 10, he regained some credit at the end of the season (among all a drop at the 81st minute of a game).

      He’s quite good everywhere, but not outstanding.

      He doesn’t have the nerves, the defense and the tactical brain of Ntamack, the leadership and the creativity of Ramos or the exceptional attacking skills of Jalibert.


      I really hope that:

      -Ntamack will get his knee back. The surgery went well. He wasn’t the most elusive player in the world, but he was capable of amazing rushes like the one against NZ in 2021 or the Brennus-winning try in 2023.

      -Jalibert will continue to improve his defense. He started working hard since March (after his defensive disaster against England) with a XIII specialist, and I’ve seen great moments, especially against Ntamack in the SF of the Champions Cup. It’s never too late. And it would be a great signal for Galthié.

      -Hastoy will build up his partnership with Le Garrec, that La Rochelle will start a new phase with them and Niniashvili, Alldritt, Atonio, Boudehent, Jegou, Bosmorin, Bourgarit, Nowell, Wardi, Daunivucu, Kaddouri, Pacôme…

      235 Go to comments
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