British and Irish Lions

The Australian was promoted from the coaching set-up to the top job after director of coaching Kidney left in May take charge of the national side.

Despite the upheaval, O'Gara expects the European Cup champions to flourish in the new era.

He told the Irish Examiner: "We will miss Declan (Kidney) for all of the things he brings to the game, for the things he brought to Munster.

"But Tony is a very good technical coach, and I think the age-profile of this squad is such that we're ripe to benefit from his type of technical coaching."

He insisted McGahan will have 100% support. He added: "There are no barriers in this Munster squad. It's not an issue; honesty prevails throughout and that will always be the way. It will never change."

Having become only the ninth Welshman to pick up a Heineken Cup winners medal, Gethin Jenkins is now getting ready for his next challenge - holding on to his British & Irish Lions Test spot.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.

Tom Youngs has enjoyed a remarkable rise to the top of the British & Irish game but he won't be resting on his laurels ahead of his first Lions adventure.