Victor Costello 39 Irish caps (1996-2004)CONTROVERSIALLY dropped by Kidney, who promoted Ciarán Potts, for Leinster's Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat to Leicester at Lansdowne Road in 2004.
"Obviously the stats show a very successful coach. A player's guy. The only possible flaw is his familiarity with these players. He has coached Munster for such a long time, and played against the Irish provinces so many times, that he knows each player's strengths and weaknesses. Having said that I wouldn't be against the appointment, it's just that an outside coach would have no preconceived notions of the group he is inheriting. Hopefully, there will be a clean slate for players not in favour under the previous regime and they are rewarded accordingly for form.
"Declan is a highly intelligent man but this can lead to tripping himself up on occasions as he tries to out-think the opposing coach.
"His record speaks for itself. This has been coming for a long time and while there have been some mistakes made along the way, equally there have been many lessons learned from the Gwent Dragons and Leinster experiences. His decision to go back to Munster can be justified by the Heineken Cup success that followed a year later.
"It is time to embrace a new period in Irish rugby and Kidney is already well briefed on the upcoming talent. We have the players coming through now to 'replace the 'golden era' of two, three years ago.
"Paul McNaughton is a good choice for manager but the backroom selection will be key to restoring the hunger and pride that went stale after the World Cup."
Niall Woods CEO of the Irish Rugby Union Players Association
"Considering his track record, the IRFU could hardly look elsewhere. On his return to Munster Declan silenced any criticism against the decision by winning the European Cup the next season, ensuring the only thing he is yet to achieve is at international level. It is the inevitable next step for him.
"I would also argue against the theory some players are unhappy with this appointment. He still represents a new coach with a different view on players . . . There is now a chance for all players. There will be changes, maybe even the captaincy, with Paul O'Connell or Ronan O'Gara possibly being the preferred option for Declan over Brian O'Driscoll. This may be what Brian needs to refocus on his playing career.
"I believe the new backroom will prove crucial. I believe it will not be Munster heavy appointments but spread across the provinces. Declan has also been a long-term supporter of the player service programme, set up by IRUPA, to prepare players for a smooth transition into life after a rugby career."
