Nearly a fortnight after reports in Australia suggested that Munster were interested in appointing David Wessels as the successor to Rassie Erasmus, the Irish Independent reports that a deal is close to being done.
Wessels is a South African with close ties to Rassie Erasmus. The current Munster Director of Rugby gave Wessels his first coaching job with the Stormers nine years ago.
The 35-year-old Wessels was most recently the head coach of Australian side Western Force for the 2017 season until the downsizing of Super Rugby led to their removal from the competition.
Melbourne Rebels, who survived the Super Rugby cull, were said to be close to naming Wessels as their next head coach. However, Munster stepped in, apparently offering to fly Wessels to Ireland in a bid to do a deal.
Cian Tracey in today's Indo reports that Wessels was indeed in Limerick recently for an interview and that Munster are ready to put an agreement in place.
During the summer, Munster confirmed that Erasmus would depart his role after less than a season-and-a-half in charge. Late December was the time given for his Thomond Park exit and his return to South Africa where he will become SARU Director of Rugby.
It is expected that Wessels will be in place for an easy transition of power from Erasmus.
