Another big name is in the race for the Munster job

All-Black legend John Kirwan has said that he would be “honoured” to talk to Munster or Ulster about taking over as their coach.

Kirwan, who coached Japan at the recent Rugby World Cup, was speaking to the Irish Times about his career but, inevitably, the possibility of taking over at either Munster or Ulster came up.

“A side like Ulster or Munster are both fantastic,” he said. “What they have got in mind I don’t know. Certainly talking to them would be an honour for me . . . or another national side. I am just trying to be patient, which is not one of my strengths, sitting back and waiting for the right opportunity. I am really keen to win some stuff with a good side.

“No, I’ve had no contact (with Ulster or Munster) and haven’t searched out the contacts. I believe that they’ll have someone in mind. If my name is one of them, fine. I think it (Munster) would be one of the most sought after jobs in the world. Munster is a top-line club probably looking to win big trophies again. They are always there or thereabouts, a great team with fantastic players.”

Hmmm, sounds to us like John wouldn’t mind spending some time in Thomond Park at all. He certainly has the experience. A World Cup winner as a player in 1987, he was a try-scoring machine as a player, averaging one every two games as an international.

As coach he led Italy for three years before piloting Japan for four but that deal ended after the last Woorld Cup.

But after so many years of Aussie influence at Munster, would they switch to an All Black? Time will tell.