Paul O'Connell has had his say on the Munster head coach vacancy

Ireland forwards coach Paul O’Connell has ended speculation that he could be a contender to become the head coach at Munster following last month’s dismissal of Graham Rowntree.

The 2023 URC title-winning boss left the role following a difficult start of the 2024/25 season in which the Irish province won just two of its opening six league matches.

Munster had just arrived back from losing both matches on their South African tour when the decision was reached to part company with Rowntree, who had stepped up from an assistant’s role in the summer of 2022 after Johann van Graan exited to take over at Bath.

The legendary O’Connell, who skippered Munster to their second European Cup title in 2008, has long been touted for a coaching return at the club but that homecoming won’t be happening any time soon as he has ruled himself out from filling the Rowntree vacancy.

Speaking to reporters in Dublin this week ahead of Ireland’s final Autumn Nations Series fixture versus Australia, he said: “No, I have no interest in it. Certainly in the short term, anyway. I just hope they get the right man.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

25

14

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

80%

Confirmation that O’Connell isn’t a runner for the position emerged after Munster had confirmed two-year contract extensions for assistant coaches Mike Prendergast and Denis Leamy. Ian Costello remains their interim boss with the URC set to resume this weekend with Munster in action on Saturday against the Lions in Limerick.