Niall O'Donovan has been appointed Team Manager of two-time Heineken Cup champions, Munster Rugby.
O'Donovan, who was assistant coach with Munster up until the end of the 2001/02 season before moving on to the role of Forwards Coach with the Ireland Senior squad, takes over from Shaun Payne who is returning to South Africa.
In more recent times he has acted as Team Manager and Forwards Coach to Munster's British & Irish Cup squad who contested the inugural final and won the title recently with victory over Cross Keys from Wales.
Commenting on the appointment, Munster Chief Executive, Garrett Fitzgerald, said: "We are delighted that Niall has agreed to take over the role of Team Manager. Niall has had a long association with Munster Rugby and having acted as Forwards Coach in the past and more recently as Munster 'A' Team Manager he brings a wealth of experience that can only enhance the newly-appointed coaching structure."
Munster have been drawn in Pool 1 for next season's Heineken Cup with Edinburgh Rugby, Saracens and Racing-Metro 92.