Anthony Foley has accepted a one-year contract extension as head coach of Munster Rugby – but he will be working under a newly appointed director of rugby next season.
Munster and the IRFU released a statement on Tuesday afternoon confirming that Foley would be staying on.
And they added that a newly created post of director of rugby would be filled ahead of the 2016/17 season.
Foley, a European Cup winner with the province and a Munster legend, has been head coach since the summer of 2014. His original two-year deal is nearly at an end, though following extensive talks both sides have decided to exercise the one-year extension clause.
He was a hugely popular appointment at the time, though results since have been patchy with his selection and style of play coming in for criticism.
It is unclear how much power over first team matters the new director of rugby will have.
“The province is also actively looking to appoint a Director of Rugby for next season,” said the statement.
“With the new role assuming responsibility for the professional rugby programme and elite player development pathway in the province."
Munster Rugby CEO Garrett Fitzgerald added: "As confirmed previously we offered Anthony the option to extend his contract as per the initial agreement in 2014 and we are pleased to see him avail of this renewal and commit to the province for a further year.
"The decision to seek a Director of Rugby was made at Munster Professional Game Board level in consultation with the IRFU, and is in line with our strategic plan for the organisation.”
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