Donncha O'Callaghan names his ideal candidate for vacant Munster job

Donncha O'Callaghan has backed his former manager Declan Kidney to return to the Munster hot seat.

Munster are looking for a new head coach after the shock departure of Graham Rowntree last week.

Many names for the vacant role have been floated, including past playing legends Ronan O'Gara and Paul O'Connell.

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But Donncha O'Callaghan believes that his former side should look to the past for future success.

On his new podcast with Tommy Bowe The Offload, O'Callaghan said: "I actually have a different take on it; I think if you’re trying to get a beat out of this team, you actually have to go down to the foundation rock of Munster rugby, and you need Declan Kidney back involved.

"I know you’re gonna laugh, but I’m telling you he’s a Grand Slam, a European Cup winner, and nobody knows Munster Rugby better than that man.

"It’s sad to say that we might have to go all the way back there. But I promise you, if you put him in that environment he will get the best out of those players.

"His emotional intelligence is through the roof, his love for Munster Rugby is through the roof."

Corkman Kidney was the head coach for Munster from 2005 to 2008, leading them to four Heineken Cup finals, winning twice in 2006 and 2008.

Kidney left Munster to take the Ireland job, where he won a Grand Slam in 2009.

The 65-year-old has been the Director of Rugby at Premiership side London Irish since 2018.

And O'Callaghan reckons Kidney is the man to stand up for Munster's interests in the face of the IRFU.

"There’s a guy, if he’s getting f***** over by the IRFU, will kick down the door and tell them.

"He knows how to deal with a budget, he knows how to deal with players.

"In those moments I just think there’s an ace up our sleeves, it’s under our nose. We all might laugh and think of the glory days, but I’m telling you it, I’ve been around him."

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