Paul O’Connell is tipped to take over as new boss at Munster rugby
BoyleSports has made Paul O’Connell the most likely successor after it was announced on Tuesday that Graham Rowntree would leave Munster after two years in charge of the side.
Rowntree, who led Munster to a URC title in his first season in charge has seen his side suffer three consecutive defeats this month at the hands of Leinster, Stormers and Sharks and will be replaced by the province’s Head of Rugby Operations, Ian Costello, on an interim basis.
Former Munster and Ireland captain Paul O’Connell is the early 6/4 favourite to be appointed as permanent head coach of the side and vacate his current position as forwards coach of the national team, ahead of his former teammates Mike Prendergast (4/1) and Jerry Flannery (4/1).
Munster’s all-time top points scorer Ronan O’Gara is also rated a likely contender for a return to Thomond Park with the La Rochelle boss a 5/1 chance to take the helm of his former side, while Tyler Bleyendaal, who boasts 62 appearances for Munster can be backed at 8/1.
Brian O’Keeffe, spokesperson for BoyleSports, said: “It’s been a tough month for Munster suffering three defeats on the trot, but it’s Paul O’Connell that’s being backed to tackle the problems and steady the ship after Graham Rowntree’s departure.”
6/4 Paul O’Connell
4/1 Mike Prendergast
4/1 Jerry Flannery
5/1 Ronan O’Gara
8/1 Tyler Bleyendaal
12/1 Denis Leamy
16/1 Declan Kidney
16/1 Simon Easterby
20/1 bar