Munster bosses to live in Cork
17:54, 17 Jul 2012
Munster coaches Rob Penney and Simon Mannix, who this week jetted in to meet the players, will both be based in Cork, according to the Evening Echo.
However, Munster would not confirm that this means the team will use from Cork as a centralised training base instead of splitting sessions between Leeside and Limerick, but no decision is likely on such a move until August.
In his first Irish interview - in the Evening Echo - Penney originally indicated a preference for living in Limerick, but now Penney and assistant Simon Mannix will join scrum coach Paul McCarthy in Cork with Anthony Foley, with Ian Costello (skills coach) and team manager Niall O'Donovan remaining in Limerick.
And new signings Casey Lualala and James Downey are also understood to be basing themselves in Cork.
Munster Rugby are still, however, awaiting a final recommendation from the independent consultant commissioned to study the proposals from Cork's CIT - where the new coaching team will be officially unveiled tomorrow - Limerick's UL and Limerick IT as a suitable base for a more centralised training.
Munster are in the middle of a five-year contract with CIT and while there has been a heavy leaning in that direction because of the easier access to transport and medical requirements it has been emphasised this morning that as yet no decision has been taken.
In fact Munster Rugby have yet to receive the final report from the consultant because of delays in his receiving all necessary input from outside sources.
It is now believed that it will be August, at the earliest, before a recommendation is made. And then it is expected that there will be a two year turnaround before the plans come to fruition.
Meanwhile, Penney and Mannix took their first training session in Limerick yesterday and the new coaching team will be unveiled in Cork tomorrow.
The Ireland internationals will rejoin the squad next Monday with three pre-season games scheduled for August before Munster start their season proper with a trip to Edinburgh for their opening Rabodirect Pro 12 game.
Munster are away to La Rochelle on Friday August 10 before face Bristol and London Irish in Musgrave Park on August 17 and 24 respectively.