Munster Rugby Head Coach Johann van Graan will leave the province at the end of the current season, on completion of his current contract.Joining the province in November 2017, van Graan was offered a two-year contract extension and after much consideration has made the decision to not progress with the deal and will complete his time with the province at the end of June 2022.Head Coach Johann van Graan said, “While I was at advanced stages in the contract process earlier this year, I took a step back and reconsidered my options, prioritising what’s best for my family, myself, and Munster Rugby. My family and I settled well into life here, this is our home, and in an ideal world we would love to continue living in Limerick, but I’ve been looking at the bigger picture.“After arriving during the 2017/18 season, I am now into my fifth season with this group and in putting Munster first I believe it’s the right decision for me to call time on my contribution and step away at the end of this season. While we have achieved so much together, and still have over six months of the season remaining, I wanted any uncertainty about my future addressed as early as possible.“It has been an incredible journey and I’m hugely proud of this group for everything we have done to-date knowing there is so much more to come as we move towards the business end of the season.”
The former Springbok coach was the catalyst for securing the services of the World Cup winning duo of RG Snyman and Damian de Allende while he also oversaw the recruitment of key signings such as Joey Carbery, Alby Mathewson, Mike Haley, and Simon Zebo.The second longest-serving Munster coach of the professional era, Johann has guided the province to consistent successful performances across Europe and the domestic league. Since joining in 2017 Munster have reached two Champions Cup semi-finals, three league semi-finals, and a PRO14 final earlier this year.Munster Rugby CEO Ian Flanagan added, “We will be disappointed to see Johann go at the end of the season, he will be widely missed after forming such close relationships across the organisation.
Munster Rugby will now working closely with the IRFU to identify suitable replacements with the confirmed departures of both Johann and Stephen Larkham next summer.During his time van Graan has provided much needed stability across the High Performance Centre further aligning the senior and academy structures with more visibility for the next generation of players.Players such as Ardmore's Thomas Ahern, and the lastest Waterford man to make his mark - Eoin O'Connor.
'Superb Debut'
The Waterpark RFC man made a superb Munster debut in the Champions Cup on Sunday afternoon.
The 21-year-old lock, who plays his AIL rugby with Young Munster, is in his third year with the Academy but missed all of last season with a knee injury.
With their ill-fated trip to South Africa ruling out several key players due to covid-19 isolation periods, Johan Van Graan had to select 12 uncapped players - eight of them from the academy.
Among them was Dunmore East native O'Connor who acquitted himself superbly in the 38-17 win in Coventry. He stood out throughout his 70 minutes on the pitch with his work-rate and energy.
