Munster have confirmed that Ireland's new defence coach Andy Farrell will join the province in a consultancy capacity with immediate effect.

Farrell will work with the management team including head coach Anthony Foley on a part-time basis over the next four months before taking up his four-year contract with Ireland prior to their summer three-test tour of South Africa.

The 40-year-old was defence coach to the England team under Stuart Lancaster from December 2011 until after the recent World Cup when Eddie Jones was appointed England coach and brought in his own backroom team. Farrell also worked in the same capacity for the successful Lions tour to Australia in 2013 where he impressed the playing group.

Munster’s disappointing run of results in recent times, culminating in last weekend’s defeat to Stade Francais in Paris that ended their interest in the knock-out stages of this season’s Champions Cup, prompted the Munster executive to canvas outside help for the coaching team.

Under the terms of Farrell’s English contract he was not able to take up another international commitment this season but there is nothing precluding him from working with the Irish province. Munster play Stade Francais at Thomond Park on Saturday and Farrell is expected to be in attendance.

Munster Rugby CEO Garrett Fitzgerald said, "We have been looking for additional support for our coaching staff and with the timely availability of an experienced coach such as Andy Farrell we felt his inclusion would be hugely beneficial in assisting our coaching team."

On the issue of Farrell's availability, David Nucifora, IRFU Performance Director, commented, "Andy's gardening leave prevents him from coaching in the international game at this time but he has agreed to an advisory role working with Anthony and his backroom team."