Following this year's World Cup, Graham Rowntree will become part of a new-look Munster backroom team.
The former England international will replace Jerry Flannery as forwards coach with ex-Wallaby Stephen Larkham having already stepped in to take Felix Jones's spot as backs coach.
Rowntree is currently working as forwards coach to the Georgian national team and previously had the same role with England.
Speaking on The Rugby Pod this week, Rowntree explained how the move to Munster came about.
I had a few days over there with the family a couple of weeks ago.
Myself and Steve Larkham are coming in to work for Johann van Graan.
It came about very quickly in May. Obviously, Jerry [Flannery] and Felix [Jones] decided not to stay. I spoke to Johann. I’ve known Johann a long time, I coached against him when he was with South Africa and I was with England.
Before I knew it, I was over there meeting everyone. It struck me, it just felt like my old club, it felt like Leicester: a big club, proud, big support base. Before I knew it, it was done.
"I can’t wait, to be honest with you," added Rowntree who has signed a three-year deal with Munster.
"I can’t wait to get over there. I've been over, looked at a house - I’m living near Keith Wood in Killaloe.
"Munster, people forget that they're in the [Champions Cup] semi-finals every year, but yet they’re still striving, [thinking] ‘That’s not good enough.’
"We see the Irish World Cup squad announcement and there’s 12 guys in there from Munster. It’s a proud day for the province. I’m looking forward to being part of a prestigious club."
Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
