MUNSTER HAVE ANNOUNCED that former lock Mick O’Driscoll will be part of the backroom staff under new head coach Anthony Foley next season.

O’Driscoll played alongside Foley for the province, making 207 appearances before retiring at the end of the 2011/12 season. The Cork native also had a successful two-year stint with Perpignan in France, as well as winning 23 caps for Ireland.

The 35-year-old has remained involved in rugby in a coaching capacity with Presentation Brothers College [PBC] and Cork Con since retiring from playing, while Munster say he has also “pursued a number of successful business opportunities.”

O’Driscoll will join Munster as a Technical Advisor on a two-year contract, while his role will also include responsibility for the province’s ‘A’ squad.

I am really looking forward to working with Anthony, Niall [O'Donovan] and the team again,” says O’Driscoll. “I was immersed in the Munster way for over a decade, playing at the top level in Ireland and France, and I believe I can call on that wealth of experience in this new role.”

Munster say head coach-to-be Foley remains “in the process of identifying his back-room team for next season,” so further announcements are to be expected.

With backs coach Simon Mannix leaving Ireland at the end of the current campaign, a replacement in that role looks important for Munster’s on-pitch prospects.

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