Munster confirm Fisher catch

Tuesday 08th July 2008

Heineken Cup holders Munster have officially announced that former Brumbies boss Laurie Fisher is their new Forwards Coach.

The high-profile deal will see the experienced Super 14 man assume a two-year deal, which commences in August when he will work alongside Head Coach Tony McGahan and Manager Shaun Payne.

Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald confirmed the news and was delighted to have achieved such a coup to replace the departed Jim Williams.

"I had never seen such an interest for a position and this reflects the stature of where Munster currently is," Fitzgerald explained, speaking to the media on Tuesday.

"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."

And McGahan, who this summer took over the Munster reins from now Ireland coach Declan Kidney, recognised this point when asked about the upcoming law changes north of the equator.

"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," said an excitable McGahan.

"It's a great opportunity to be involved in such an organisation and it was something I didn't think twice about, the timing was perfect.

"There have been a lot of changes with the turnover of coaching staff, management changes and potentially a new back-row player, bearing all this in mind, we are looking to evolve going forward, and we want to set the bar higher.

"Overall the model of Munster Rugby won't change, but the things and practices we do, will."