Rob Penney backed to rejuvenate Munster

RETIRING Munster lock Mick O’Driscoll has backed incoming coach Rob Penney to get the Irish province back to the top of the European game.

Many have pointed to an ageing squad, with the likes of Paul O’Connell, Ronan O’Gara and Donncha O’Callaghan in the latter stages of their careers, as a sign that the two-time Heineken Cup winners are a fading force.

But O’Driscoll, 33, believes Penney, who has enjoyed sustained success with Canterbury in New Zealand, is the ideal man to succeed Australia-bound Tony McGahan. “Rob Penney has a big job, there is no hiding the fact but he has plenty of talent there,” he said.

“He will have Axel [Anthony Foley] as forwards coach, a good Munster man behind him, so, hopefully, next season we will be back where we belong.”