Graham Rowntree is set to succeed Johann van Graan as Munster head coach.
The Limerick Leader reports that Rowntree was offered the role in recent days, and has accepted it.
The 50-year-old former England international is currently the Munster forwards coach, a role he has held since October 2019. In early January, he signed a new two-year extension which runs until the summer of 2024.
Munster confirmed in December that Van Graan will depart as head coach this summer, and join Bath. He will be joined at the English Premiership side by Munster defence coach JP Ferreira. Attack coach Stephen Larkham is also leaving Thomond Park at the end of the season.
Incredible defending from Keith Earls and Chris Farrell!! 💪
Olly Woodburn looked to be clean through after a swift move finds him wide, but the @Munsterrugby men chase him down and force a crucial nock-on 👊#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/bLLxBMpYQ4— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) April 9, 2022
After signing his extension in January, Rowntree said that questions about him possibly taking over as Munster head coach were for another day, but continued: "What I can tell you is that the club and all the parties concerned are very aware of my coaching aspirations".
He added: "I have made my thoughts about this club widely known throughout my time so far, and for me and my family it really has been an easy decision, a non-decision if truth be told. We’ve put down roots here and have no desire to move anywhere else.
"I know there will be coaching personnel changes at the end of this season but from where I’m standing, I know that we have everything in place for continued development and success.
"This is a club with established structures, facilities, staff, players, supporters, and resources that any club or coach would be envious of and I’m very excited to be able to play my part in the years to come."
On Saturday, Munster lost 13-8 to Exeter in the first leg of their Champions Cup last-16 tie. They play the return leg at Thomond Park this Saturday.
Featured image: 9 April 2022; Munster head coach Johann van Graan and forwards coach Graham Rowntree during the Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 first leg match between Exeter Chiefs and Munster at Sandy Park in Exeter, England. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
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