Ulster Bank League club Young Munster have announced the sudden departure of their head coach Anthony Mathison due to personal reasons. The former Queensland Reds prop is returning home to Australia, with director of rugby John Staunton back in charge of the Cookies in the interim.
John Staunton was head coach last season when Young Munster reached the Division 1A play-offs where they went very close to knocking out eventual champions Lansdowne.
Munsters were winless during their four Ulster Bank League games under Anthony Mathison, the ex-Australia ‘A’ international, but they produced a much-improved performance last time out when drawing 27-all with table-topping Clontarf.
A statement from the Limerick club confirmed: “It is with deep regret we announce that Tony Mathison has resigned as head coach of Young Munster with immediate effect for personal reasons, and is returning to Australia.
“This obviously is not ideal when we are into the Ulster Bank League season and facing a massive period of games in the next seven weeks, starting with the crucial trip to Ballinahinch on Saturday, but unfortunately is beyond our control.”
Second-from-bottom Munsters travel north to bottom side Ballynahinch where they will hope for big displays from their skilful South African scrum half Abrie Griesel, speedy Ireland Sevens international Diarmaid McCarthy, new out-half Paul Downes, who has amassed 30 league points, and their powerfully-built pack.
The Cookies said that their director of rugby Staunton, the man Mathison replaced, has ‘kindly agreed to step back in as head coach’ in the short-term period. He will work with Munster ace Ian Keatley, Conor McPhillips, Ger Slattery and Dave Moriarty in preparing the side.
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