1
Further upheaval at Munster as CEO Fitzgerald is the latest to leave
Munster’s recent upheaval is continuing with CEO Garrett Fitzgerald confirming he will retire in June after being at the helm of the Irish club since 1999.
ADVERTISEMENT
His departure is the latest off-field exit at the province. It follows the recent announcements that assistant coaches Jerry Flannery and Felix Jones have both turned down contract extension offers, while former All Black Doug Howlett, their commercial and marketing boss, is quitting to return to New Zealand.
Fitzgerald, the Munster coach in 1992 when they defeated the touring Australia in a memorable encounter in Cork, had enjoyed some landmark moments during his lengthy stint as CEO.
They include the winning of two European Cups, three leagues, the redevelopment of Thomond Park and Musgrave Park, and the playing squad’s move to a single training base in University of Limerick.
Most recently, Fitzgerald, who had been on a recent leave of absence to treat an illness, was honoured by the Federation of Irish Sport for his outstanding contribution to the sport.
All the best to Munster Rugby CEO Garrett Fitzgerald as he retires after 20 fantastic years at the province.
Full details > > https://t.co/GncXUbBOu3 pic.twitter.com/mPB2isxplp
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) May 30, 2019
He said: “I look back on my time in Munster with the fondest of memories. I have experienced fantastic days, working with great people in a unique environment, and for this I’m very grateful.
ADVERTISEMENT
“A strong identity and unique culture are two of Munster rugby’s greatest assets. With the ever-changing rugby landscape, it is this culture and a shared belief system that sees the province consistently thrive at the highest level.
“I believe harnessing all that is good about Munster rugby will lead to future success for the province, and I look forward to seeing the brand and organisation continue to go from strength to strength.”
IRFU CEO Philip Browne added: “Since his appointment in 1999 Garrett has transformed Munster. He has succeeded in keeping the very best of the amateur era ethos at the club while building it into a professional sports club that is the envy of many throughout the rugby world.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Munster, who handed head coach Johann van Graan an early contract extension in April, and the IRFU will now begin a recruitment process to fill the CEO position. In the meantime, Philip Quinn will continue in his role as acting CEO.
WATCH: The latest episode of Rugby Explorer sees Jim Hamilton work his way through Italy
Comments on RugbyPass
Mark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
9 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
3 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
1 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
1 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
5 Go to commentsLet’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
9 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
2 Go to comments