The coaching ticket of Tony McGahan, Laurie Fisher, Jason Holland and Shaun Payne has this season guided Munster to a record twelfth successive Heineken Cup quarter-final place and a current fifth position in the Magners League.

Speaking about the contract renewals, McGahan said: "The management here are working hard to challenge the playing group and provide an environment where success can be achieved. I believe that continuity and stability are vital to this ambition.

"So to have Shaun, Laurie and Jason sign for the forseeable future is great news for Munster Rugby. Their work ethic, professionalism and knowledge of the game has been an integral part of this club's ethos and I'm delighted we'll be continuing our work together."

Meanwhile, Shaun Payne confirmed that negotiations regarding player contracts were progressing positively and he expected to be in a position to clarify the situation towards the end of the month.

"Rather than deal with contract renewals on a player to player basis, I think it better to deal with the issue collectively," he said.

"People like Tony and myself have been away on a break, so too some of the players, some are still abroad.

"But we're happy with the way things are progressing in that regard and hopefully we'll be able to announce our squad plans after the RBS 6 Nations Championship has concluded."