Munster net Fisher as forwards coach
Former ACT Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher has been confirmed as Munster's new forwards coach, replacing his fellow Australian Jim Williams in the position.
Fisher flew into Cork last week to hammer out a two-year contract with the Irish province, after beating off a number of experienced candidates.
The Canberra man, who will start his new role next month, spent eight seasons with the Brumbies in various coaching positions.
He was the Brumbies head coach for the last four seasons, as well as looking after the Australia 'A' squad.
The Munster management team will have a Southern Hemisphere look to it in the new season with two Australians in Fisher and recently-appointed head coach Tony McGahan, as well as South African-born team manager Shaun Payne.
Confirming the appointment and emphasising that Fisher had some stiff competition, Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald said: "I had never seen such an interest for a position and this reflects the stature of where Munster currently is.
"We took our time with the selection process rather that just picking anyone.
"We wanted someone with experience at the highest level, and a knowledge of the ELVs (Experimental Law Variations) was a bonus at this stage when securing a head coach from a Super 14 side."
McGahan, who took up office last week, was delighted to secure the services of such an experienced forwards coach, particularly with the onset of the ELV trials.
"(With the ELVs) there will be huge changes, like you see in the Southern Hemisphere, and Laurie's experience with the Brumbies and Super 14 will be of great benefit to Munster Rugby," he admitted.
The reigning Heineken Cup champions have a short pre-season schedule of matches before the Magners League kicks off in September.
They will take on the US Eagles in Connecticut on August 23, after a rewarding pre-season trip to Chicago last year, and London Irish will be their opponents at Musgrave Park on August 29.
