Munster officials play down embarrassing email error

Anthony Foley took over from Rob Penney as coach of Munster this season

Munster officials have attempted to play down an embarrassing email error which resulted in player assessments being sent out to all squad members.

A report in the Sunday Independent newspaper claimed some of the comments were highly critical of players.

It also said a colour coding was used to show which players were thought to be first choice in their position.

A Munster spokesperson said: "It was an email that went out during the week due to human error."

The Munster statement said players and management discussed the matter and had now switched their attention to Friday's opening Pro12 match against Edinburgh.

The Thomond Park match will be former Ireland back row forward Anthony Foley's first competitive match as coach, having spent two seasons as assistant to Rob Penney.

Last Friday Munster beat London Irish 17-5 in a pre-season game at Waterford.

On Monday, the Irish province announced the signing of 32-year-old Argentine hooker Eusebio Guinazu on a four-month contract.

Guinazu spent the last two seasons at Premiership club Bath and has been brought in because Mike Sherry is sidelined after recent shoulder surgery.