All Black Simon Mannix to join Munster as backs coach

Simon Mannix is to take over a coaching role with Munster

Former All Black Simon Mannix will take up a role as backs coach with Munster next season on a two-year contract.

Mannix, who has been backs coach at Racing Metro for the past four seaons, is expected to join Munster for pre-season training in late June, subject to him obtaining a work permit.

He is the latest recruit to new head coach Rob Penney's backroom staff.

Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald said Mannix will: "complement the recent appointment of Rob Penney".

Mannix is a former Hurricanes' out-half and had playing spells with Sale and Gloucester before moving to France where he was based with Racing Metro since December 2011.

A member of the All Blacks squad for three seasons prior to his move to England, he won his full cap against France at Christchurch, Jun 26, 1994.

Anthony Foley, who had been tipped for the top job, will stay on as forwards coach but the rest of Penney's backroom team has still to be finalised.