Mike Prendergast has shared his frustration about not getting the Munster head coach job but is all in on backing the new coach, Clayton McMillan. McMillan, who took over as head coach last month, will be heading to Limerick after finishing his season with the Chiefs in Super Rugby. Prendergast Backs New Munster Boss.
Prendergast, who looked like the top choice to take over from Graham Rowntree, will be moving up from his attack coach role to senior coach in the newly organized coaching staff. Even though he wanted the head coach position, he admits he was let down by the decision but is ready to embrace his new role.
Accepting the Change
I was disappointed, of course, Prendergast told RTÉ Sport. When you go for a job and don’t get it, it’s natural to feel that way. But in this sport, you can’t dwell on it too long; you just have to keep going. He remains optimistic and added, Maybe someday it will happen. Prendergast Backs New Munster Boss.
Prendergast met McMillan last week in Limerick, which helped him feel a bit better about things. Now he’s looking forward to what’s ahead with McMillan leading the way. Sure, I was disappointed, but that’s behind me now. Chatting with Clayton made me excited for next season.
Feeling Good Before La Rochelle Game
In the meantime, Munster’s recent win against Connacht has lifted their spirits as they prepare for a crucial Champions Cup match against La Rochelle. Prendergast is hopeful, especially with some players coming back from injury, like Peter O’Mahony, Thaakir Abrahams, and Jack O’Donoghue. Their return has given the team a boost in training.
As they get ready for their game at Stade Marcel Deflandre, Prendergast knows La Rochelle will be tough, especially since they’ll be aiming to turn their luck around. We don’t want to be the team that helps them regain their confidence, he said.
With Ronan O’Gara now coaching La Rochelle, Prendergast sees this matchup as an exciting challenge. He respects what O’Gara has done there and expects a tough fight from the French side. It’s a big challenge, and having ROG involved adds to the excitement, he mentioned.
Looking Forward to the Weekend
Munster will take on La Rochelle at 5:30 pm, while Leinster will face Harlequins earlier at 2:15 pm. Both games should be exciting as the Irish teams push forward in their European campaigns.
