Graham Rowntree to be named Munster head coach

Former England forwards coach Graham Rowntree is set to be confirmed as the new Munster head coach, according to reports in Ireland.

The current forwards coach at the province, Rowntree will take over from Johan van Graan who is departing Ireland to become director of rugby at Bath. Senior coach Stephen Larkham is also leaving, for the Brumbies in Australia.

Rowntree, who had formerly worked with England and the British and Irish Lions, joined Munster after the 2019 World Cup. In January he signed a two year contract extension that will keep in Munster until June 2024.

Mike Brown | Rugby Roots

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Mike Brown | Rugby Roots

Now Munster want him to set up into his first role as boss at a senior professional club.

The 50-year-old is a highly experienced coach with a wealth of experience at Test level and across the Premiership.

He also previously served as forwards coach for Georgia. Having managed and coached elite players at Premiership and international level, Rowntree was assistant coach on the 2009, 2013 and 2017 British and Irish Lions Tours.

The former prop held the roles of assistant coach and forwards coach with England over a seven-year period, and has previously worked as forwards coach with Premiership sides Harlequins and Leicester Tigers.

Munster will be breathing a sigh of relief that they have confirmed a high profile signing for the role after van Graan rolled back on a decision to stay on at the province.