'My name is in the pot' - Mike Prendergast confirms interest in Munster coaching job

Mike Prendergast has confirmed his interest in becoming head coach of Munster next season, as the province continue their search for Graham Rowntree's replacement.

Prendergast had been among the early favourites for the job when Rowntree left Munster in a shock departure in late October.

Having previously worked as an assistant at Grenoble, Oyonnax, Stade Francais and Racing 92, the former scrum-half had been the subject of interest from other French sides recently before committing his future to his home province by agreeing a two-year extension to his role as attack coach in late November.

But the Limerick native says the terms of that contract extension are not set in stone, confirming his interest in the vacant head coach job.

"My name is in the pot, if you want to say it that way, along with a number of good coaches I would say," Prendergast told RTÉ Sport.

Prendergast started his coaching career as director of rugby at Young Munster, before moving to Grenoble in 2013, spending nine years in France until he returned to Limerick in 2022, working as attack coach to Graham Rowntree.

And the 47-year-old says he feels ready to take the step up to a head coaching role.

"The more experience you get of different environments, the different coaches I've been under, you take a lot from that. It gets you thinking, the longer you’re in your career what direction you want to go.

"It’s something I would have envisaged [being a head coach]. If it’s now, or if it’s in the future, the club will decide that.

"As of now I have signed as the attack coach. I’m really happy, I love doing that as well. Time will tell on that side.

"I’ve signed up for two years to be the attack coach, and then obviously the head coach role will be something the club