Rob Penney To Leave Munster

Rob Penney will leave his position as head coach of Munster at the end of the season. An agreement with the province and the IRFU to stay on for a 3rd season had been agreed but Penney since attracted interest from another club, believed to be in Japan, and has decided to turn down Munster's offer and leave the Reds this Summer. Backs coach Simon Mannix will also move on at the end of the current campaign. Click PLAY button above to hear reaction from Paul O'Connell and the Irish Independent's rugby writer Cian Treacy. Quotes below from Munster's official website.: Munster Rugby Chief Executive Garrett Fitzgerald said, "When we reach the end of the season Rob will leave with our thanks and best wishes for the future. "Rob has been a very positive influence on this Munster squad and management and we are disappointed to see him go as we had hoped that he would fulfil his third season. In developing the squad he has highlighted the strength and depth of the Munster panel, with the competition for places as high as ever. "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Simon for his work and commitment to the province, and we wish him all the best for the future. He has contributed to Munster's overall campaign and added great value to our coaching team. "We now need to focus on the remainder of this season and the opportunities ahead in both the Heineken Cup and the RaboDirect PRO12. We are confident both Simon and Rob will continue to strive for success and guide the squad through to the next stage." Head Coach Rob Penney said "I am disappointed to be leaving Munster as I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. I have to take this opportunity presented to me and prioritise my family and personal circumstances at this time. We still have a few months to go and the goals remain the same - I want to achieve success with this great group of lads!"