Well, now that this chapter is closed, any real speculation at who can take the reigns? I don't get a lot of Irish Media exposure in my distant local, so...let's hear it from you lads closest to the action...Who is good for it, or who would you like to see? [/b]
The irish press have been speculating about this for the past week to be honest, so Eddie's announcement last night was hardly a surprise. The main candidates being touted are; Declan Kidney, Pat Howard, Wayne Smith, Mike Ruddock, Jake White and John Mitchell.
Personally I'd remove Mike Ruddock and Wayne Smith from the list as not too viable, both are contracted for at elast another two years. Given the other candidates available I dont see them coughing out more cash needlessly, unless they are buying a proven high profile coach.
Declan Kidney SHOULD be given the job. In any other country he would be a shoe in, but you just never know over here. There is a general feeling that a non-irish coach could really shake everything up and get the players on their toes again. Then again Kidney's record for Munster, year in, year out, is pretty special.
You just get the feeling that if White wants it, he'll get it (I dont think he'll want it though). Personally I'm not convinced by him, but I'll accept anything at this stage
Regardless of how Irish rugby is, you would imagine the job would be reasonably attractive. Good players, youth coming through. Not world beaters, but certainly good enough to be competitive. I think thats why the likes of Mitchell and Howard have been mentioned. Whether we can get them to leave their current roles and come back North i'm not so sure.
Thats the core speculation at the moment.
