Munster next head coach betting odds: New frontrunner emerges following Graham Rowntree departure

Mike Prendergast has emerged as the new frontrunner for the Munster head coaching position following Graham Rowntree's departure.

Rowntree left the role by mutual consent following the province's poor start to the season, having won the URC crown in 2023.

And it now appears that attack coach Mike Prendergast is the new frontrunner for the role after having his odds slashed by bookmakers.

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Prendergast, who spent nine years coaching in France, joined Munster's coaching ticket in 2022 and is considered a popular choice for the role.

Ireland coach and Munster legend Paul O'Connell was initially installed as bookmaker favourite following Rowntree's departure but Prendergast has now seen his price drop from 4/1 to 2/1 while O'Connell has drifted from 6/4 to 4/1.

Former South Africa coach in England Felix Jones has also been listed at 9/4. Jones is set to depart the England Rugby team after announcing his resignation in August.

However, if Jones is to join Munster, the province will have to cough up a hefty compensation fee for his services, with the 37-year-old serving a 12-month notice period with the RFU.

Latest odds courtesy of Betfair

Mike Prendergast – 2/1
Felix Jones – 9/4
Paul O'Connell – 4/1
Jerry Flannery – 9/1
Ronan O'Gara – 9/1
Noel McNamara – 14/1
Tyler Bleyendaal – 16/1
Declan Kidney – 20/1
Denis Leamy – 20/1
Gerard Mullen – 22/1
Simon Easterby – 25/1
Stephen Larkin – 28/1

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