Mike Prendergast: Munster must adapt if Ireland tour to South Africa goes ahead

Mike Prendergast says Munster will be forced to rejig their plans if an Ireland mini-tour to South Africa goes ahead next month.

Munster could be without a number of up-and-coming players if Andy Farrell takes a development side to South Africa for games against the Pumas and Griquas, this year's Currie Cup finalists, as well as the Cheetahs.

The tour is reportedly set to run from the end of September until mid-October, which leave Munster without some key players for their United Rugby Championship derbies against Connacht and Leinster.

"There’s been challenges thrown at us over the last number of years with Covid and everything," said Prendergast. "We’ve just got to react and play what’s in front of us.

"I don’t think it’s been fully confirmed about the tour. If it does, we’ll look, plan and adapt.

"That’s one of the reasons we brought big numbers [into training] at the start, it’s for certain things that will happen during the year. We’ve got to be prepared from long and medium to short-term.

"Andy and the IRFU have their plan. He’s trying to add layers towards the World Cup and that’s understandable. We’ll adapt to it, absolutely."

Munster will also have to cope without Gavin Coombes for the start of the URC. The Ireland international is sidelined with a groin injury and will be unavailable for the opening rounds.

Munster face London Irish in their final pre-season match on Friday before travelling to Cardiff for their URC opening on 16 September, live on RTÉ.

After nine years coaching in France, Prendergast felt the time was right to return to Munster following conversations with head coach Graham Rowntree.

Rowntree praised Prendergast's impact as attack coach, saying he instantly knew the 45-year-old was "the right fit" for