Fisher joins Munster as new forwards coach

Laurie Fisher emerged as the candidate of choice to replace Jim Williams as Munster's new forwards coach as the Australian joined the European champions on a two-year deal.

New Munster director of coaching Tony McGahan, along with team manager Shaun Payne and Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald, announced Fisher to the media in Cork this afternoon. Fisher will join his fellow Australian McGahan at the start of August.

The Canberra native joins Munster with a wealth of coaching experience after his involvement as head coach and assistant coach with the Super 14 side ACT Brumbies over the last eight years. He was also head coach of Australia 'A' for the last three seasons.

"I had never seen such an interest for a position and this reflects the stature of where Munster currently is. We took our time with the selection process rather that just picking anyone," said Fitzgerald. It is understood the province received over 30 high profile applications for the position vacated by Williams.

"We wanted someone with experience at the highest level, and a knowledge of the ELVs (Experimental Law Variations) was a bonus at this stage when securing a head coach from a Super 14 side."

McGahan, 35, who started work as Declan Kidney's replacement last week, also recognised this point when asked about the upcoming trial of the ELVs in Northern Hemisphere rugby.

He admitted: "There will be huge changes, like you see in the Southern Hemisphere, and Laurie's experience with the Brumbies and Super 14 will be of great benefit to Munster Rugby."

"Professionalism , organisation and loyalty are three words I would use to describe the new look coaching team at Munster," added McGahan, who joined the province in February 2005 as defence coach.

The Munster coaching team has taken on a distinctly Australian feel in recent times. That said, recently retired Munster legend Anthony Foley is also expected to join McGahan's backroom sfaff in some capacity.