Munster coaching staff begins to take shape in post-Rowntree era

Munster attack coach Mike Prendergast has followed in the footsteps of defence coach Denis Leamy by signing a two-year contract extension.

Just hours after Leamy committed to the club, his former Munster team-mate Predergast did the same.

The pair were recruited by the now-departed Graham Rowntree when the Englishman took on the role of head coach in 2022, and were part of Munster's successful United Rugby Championship campaign in their first season in charge.

Rowntree's exit also ushered the departure of forwards coach Andi Kyriacou, but Leamy and Prendergast have ensured that there will not be wholesale changes at Thomond Park.

Prior to joining Munster, the former scrum-half held a number of jobs in France.

Following the departure of Prendergast's former boss Rowntree, Munster CEO Ian Flanagan said: “We would like to thank Graham for his passion and dedication to Munster Rugby over the past five years, and I would like to wish him and his family the very best for the future on behalf of Munster Rugby.

“With the All Blacks XV coming to a sold-out Thomond Park this weekend and a number of big games on the horizon in November and December, our focus will be on continuing to support the coaches and the players for the season ahead.”

Rowntree added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here in Munster working with a very talented group of players and coaches.

“I would like to thank the wider Munster family for all the support they have shown me in my time here but now is the right stage for my family and I to look forward to a new chapter.”