Former Australia out-half Stephen Larkham has emerged as a contender to become Munster's new backs and attack coach ahead of next season.

The Irish Independent understands that Larkham has been interviewed by Munster with a view to taking on the role that will be vacated by Felix Jones.

Current Wales attack coach Rob Howley has already spoken to the province, who continue their search for the right man.

Larkham had been coaching Australia's backs under Michael Cheika until earlier this year when he was axed from the set-up amidst reports of a rift between the pair.

Since retiring in 2007, the 44-year-old, who won 102 caps for the Wallabies, had been working with the Brumbies before moving into the national team.

After being let go by Cheika, Larkham took up a new position as national high performance coach advisor and has recently been working closely with the Australia U-20s, who face Ireland in the Junior World Cup on June 8.

Yesterday, Ireland U-20s head coach Noel McNamara rubbished reports linking him with the position at Munster as the province focus their attention on a more experienced candidate.

Larkham previously played for the IRFU's performance director David Nucifora when he was coaching the Brumbies from 2002 until 2004. It remains to be seen if their previous relationship can help facilitate any potential move.

While a deal has not yet been agreed, if Munster can sign Larkham, it would be a major coup.

Despite his time with the Wallabies coming to a disappointing end, he has a strong body of work behind him, particularly in 2015 when Australia made it to the World Cup final.

Irish Independent