Too many French clubs have been linked to high-profile Irish players in contract negotiations only for them to decide to remain in Ireland at the end of the day.
But while the top internationals might now be staying in Ireland, Grenoble backs coach Mike Prendergast believes there are two key areas where French clubs can help Irish rugby.
One of them is giving game time and developing young players who can’t get a break in Ireland and the other is to give an opening to coaches in a similar situation.
The former Munster scrum-half spent four seasons as director of rugby with Young Munster but was looking for a new challenge. It came in the form of an offer two years ago to come to Grenoble, where former Leinster and Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman was on the coaching ticket, as skills coach.
Jackman is now head coach and Prendergast has been promoted to backs coach with the club at the foot of the Alps where former Connacht skipper Andrew Farley is team manager………………. see more at :- http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/french-exile-fits-for-former-munster-scrum-prendergast-30703895.html