Munster Rugby and the IRFU have confirmed that Graham Rowntree will be promoted from Forwards Coach to Head Coach from July 1.Rowntree will slot in as Head Coach at the start of the 2022/23 season after signing a two-year deal.The former England prop made the move to Limerick in October 2019 on completion of his Rugby World Cup coaching duties with Georgia Rugby.With an impressive coaching CV and vast experience, Rowntree previously held coaching roles with the British and Irish Lions, England Rugby, Harlequins and Leicester Tigers.Working closely with the IRFU, the province will advance with next steps in securing the backroom team that will work with Graham from next season as Head Coach Johann van Graan, Senior Coach Stephen Larkham, and Defence Coach JP Ferreira depart the province at the end of June.On confirmation of the promotion, Graham Rowntree added:
“I am hugely honoured to be taking over the role of Head Coach for a club of this calibre, one that means so much to me and my family. We have thoroughly enjoyed every moment here and I fortunately get to work with an incredible group of staff and players who share a common goal each day in striving for success for this club. I’ve talked about our fantastic supporters before and again at the weekend we stepped off the bus to a huge red welcome in Exeter. Who doesn’t want to be part of that, that’s special! I believe we have the established structures in place with the resources and facilities to match and that it will be a smooth transition for the coaching ticket we assemble in ensuring continued development and success for this club. Before then, I have a role to complete this season and working closely with Johann, Steve, and JP is the immediate focus and priority for now.”Commenting on the appointment, Munster Rugby CEO Ian Flanagan said:
“Graham’s extensive coaching experience and knowledge for the game makes him the perfect candidate to lead this squad forward. With Graham stepping up at the start of the new season it will be a seamless and natural progression from the work that has been carried out to date. For now, we will continue our focus on the remainder of this season with Graham supporting Johann and the coaching staff in achieving our goals.”
