THE SEARCH for Tony McGahan’s successor has been narrowed down to five and Munster are hopeful of appointing their new coach by the end of April.

Interviews are to be arranged over the next week or so with the five who have been shortlisted – a combination of Irish and overseas candidates – with a Munster sub-committee set to make a recommendation to the IRFU by the end of next month.

And Munster chief executive officer Garrett Fitzgerald has moved to dismiss reports McGahan had only been offered a one-year contract extension.

“We offered Tony a two-year renewal of contract. On looking at his own domestic situation, he’s here six or seven years and he has a young family, he asked that we consider a one-year deal with an option on a second year. So we agreed to that, terms were agreed in all those situations.

“Then an offer was put in front of Tony from Australia which he obviously couldn’t turn down, which we fully understand. We have previously supplied Jim Williams and Alan Gaffney back into the national set-up through the system.

“We have had an excellent working relationship with Tony from day one, and he is very professional in everything he does, so when he asked us about a one-year deal with a one-year option we were happy to agree to that, and while we are disappointed he is leaving, it is fully understandable and we fully support him. He has been excellent for us and he has put in a huge effort while he has been here,” said Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald said an extensive process has been carried out to find McGahan’s successor, which has included advice from sports management and HR experts. “We initially shortlisted 10 and following further research and contacting people for reference, we shortlisted to five and that is where we are at now,” he added.

He is joined on the sub-committee to carry out the process by former Munster winger John Kelly, who is on the provincial team management board; Munster junior vice-president John Hartery from Thomond RFC; and former Munster branch president Declan Madden from Garryowen.

“The next step is to set dates for interviews and I hope that will happen in the next 10 days. There may be an issue around availablity of candidates for interview. Second interviews may be required and then a final recommendation will be made, probably towards the end of April, to the Irish Rugby Football Union, who is the ultimate employer,” added Fitzgerald.