Tony McGahan is to leave Munster at the end of the season to become the new Australian defence coach.
McGahan gathered his Munster squad together after training on Tuesday to inform them of his intention to return to Australia.
"We can confirm the reports that have been in newspapers that Tony McGahan will be leaving Munster at the end of this season," Munster media manager Pat Geraghty said.
"What transpires for him after he leaves here, at the minute we don’t know and we will not comment until it’s been officially announced bywhoever needs to announce it.
"We know he’s leaving at the end of the season but nothing beyond that and nor do we know how thesuccession stakes will work."
Speculation over McGahan's future has intensified in recent weeks but despite his reported interest in staying at Munster, he has been lured by the prospect of working with Robbie Deans and the Wallabies.
McGahan joined Munster as defence coach and was part of the management team when the province won the Heineken Cup win in 2006. A head coach he has guided them to two RaboDirect PRO12 titles and has the potential to add to his success this year with Munster through to the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup.
Former Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan and the All Blacks World Cup winning assistant Wayne Smith have been linked with the position, but Anthony Foley is the early favourite to succeed McGahan.
Tomas O'Leary and Donnacha Ryan have both been linked with moves away from the province in recent days but McGahan's decision could persuade them to sign new contracts with Munster.