Munster are reportedly set to appoint Springboks assistant coach Johann van Graan as their new Director of Rugby.
According to Gerry Thornley of the Irish Times, Van Graan, currently the Springboks' forwards coach, will join Munster following the end of this year's Rugby Championship. South Africa play their final game of the tournament against New Zealand in Cape Town on October 7th.
Van Graan has been part of the South African coaching team since 2012. He joined under Heyneke Meyer and remained in situ when Allister Coetzee took over last year.
The news that Van Graan is the man to succeed Rassie Erasmus comes following word that David Wessels is set to take over as boss of the Melbourne Rebels. The Irish Independent reported earlier this week that Wessels - who like Van Graan is South African - was the man Munster wanted and that a deal was close to being inked.
Wessels was most recently the head coach of Western Force until they lost Super Rugby status following the contraction of the tournament which saw the Southern Kings and Cheetahs parachuted into European rugby. Yesterday, Wessels said that he would be staying in Australian rugby due to a sense of loyalty.
During the summer, Munster confirmed that Erasmus would be leaving his role as Munster's first ever Director of Rugby to take up the same job with the South African Rugby Union. Late December was the time given for his departure. It's said by the Irish Times that this timeframe remains in place and that Erasmus and Van Graan will work together to ensure a smooth handover.
South African journalist Brendan Nel adds another layer to the story. He says that Munster wanted Van Graan and Wessels working together.
My info on Johan v Graan was that Munster wanted him and Dave Wessels as a duo. Pity that didnt happen.
— Brenden Nel (@BrendenNel) September 29, 2017
