McGahan weighing up extended deal with Munster
TONY McGAHAN is on the verge of deciding whether he will take up the offer of a contract extension with Munster.
It is understood that the Australian is mulling over the offer of a two-year deal to remain on as Munster head coach, which would take him up until the end of the 2013/14 season.
McGahan has responded brilliantly to Munster's failure to qualify from their Heineken Cup pool last season by guiding the province into this season's knockout stages with six wins from six.
He has also done excellent work developing young talent in the province and Munster are keen to keep him on board, allowing forwards coach Anthony Foley to gain extra experience before his expected ascension to the the top job.
return
While McGahan, who joined Munster in 2005/'06, is believed to be keen to return with his young family to Australia, it is expected he will agree to extend his stay.
Meanwhile, as was reported in yesterday's Irish Independent, the province have confirmed the signing of former All Black Casey Laulala, who will join from Cardiff Blues at the end of the season.
The 29-year-old, who might have won more than two international caps but for the quality of his contemporaries Conrad Smith and Richard Kahui, has signed a two-year deal and is the province's second midfield acquisition for next season after they also secured the services of James Downey.
"The club is obviously delighted that we've managed to secure the services of a player of his undoubted calibre for the next two seasons," McGahan said.
"I believe it shows the ambition that Munster rugby harbours for the years ahead and I think it speaks volumes that a high quality player such as Casey chose to come to Munster ahead of a very impressive chasing pack."
- Hugh Farrelly
Irish Independent
