Munster coach Anthony Foley says he doesn’t feel undermined or threatened by the appointment of Andy Farrell as a consultant with the province.
The ex-England and Lions assistant coach joined the IRFU last week but, under the terms of the contract, cannot help out with the national side until after the Six Nations.
It was announced earlier today that Farrell would join Munster as an advisor, providing support to Foley and his coaching group on a part-time basis.
In the wake of Munster’s tepid exit from the Champions Cup on Saturday, which brought their losing streak to seven games, Foley told RTÉ Sport he wasn’t undermined by the appointment.
“We’ve slipped up over the last couple of weeks and this is something I’d see as a help not a hindrance,” said Foley.
“It’s something that I’ve embraced. When it was suggested to me it didn’t take me [but] a few seconds to answer.
“We’ve slipped up over the last couple of weeks and this is something I’d see as a help not a hindrance"
“Last week I was very positive about him [as Ireland defence coach], today I’m even more positive about him
“No [I’m not undermined], to be honest. I spent a lot of time with him today, we’ll go out for a bite to eat later on.
“He’s a professional and he’s a gentleman. I think within an environment like what we have it’s about creating the best environment for our players to achieve stuff."
Munster must now face up to two European games with nothing on the line but pride, starting with the return visit of Stade Francais on Saturday (1pm).
“This weekend it’s a European Cup game, French champions are coming to Thomond Park,” he said.
“We need to turn up and represent our people, represent the jersey, be physical, be smart in how we play the game and go after the game and not wait.
“I thought for 30 minutes on Saturday we were in a good position, then we capitulated for the rest of it so we can’t have that happen.
“We’ve to play our game and go after them.”
