New Munster head coach, Graham Rowntree, has a defining season ahead, for himself and for Munster rugby. After the underwhelming tenure of Johann Van Graan, Rowntree, who was forwards coach during these years, will have a shorter grace period to endear himself to the Munster faithful.
Hope is high however, given the talented coaching ticket that has been put together, in particular the procurement of Racing 92's backs coach Mike Prendergast.
Ahead of Friday's pre-season friendly with Gloucester at Musgrave Park, Rowntree sat down with the media to discuss his new signings (Antoine Frisch, Chris Moore, Malakai Fekitoa), his preparation, and his vision.
Rowntree Talks Munster Prep
“Just in terms of how we train, what the working day looks like, just putting my stamp on it, and you’ll hopefully see on Friday night the fruits of our labour, without trying to give anything away.
I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel by any means, but obviously there are a few little changes and adjustments to how we train and how we play that you will hopefully see come through.
29 April 2022; Munster head coach Johann van Graan, right, and Munster forwards coach Graham Rowntree before the United Rugby Championship match between Munster and Cardiff at Musgrave Park in Cork. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
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“He [Prendergast] is the brains, he’s got free rein to run the attack. Denis [Denis Leamy] the same, Kyri [Andi Kyriacou] with the forwards. I’m still coaching, I don’t think I’ll ever stop coaching. I’m always on the field.
“They’re very much cracking on with it and have grabbed the bull by the horns. Crikey, they’ve got some energy on the field, and in meetings as well. The lads can really appreciate it, the lads are feeding off that, and we’ve had some good discussions in our meetings, and some good training.
Chris has come from a university background and fitted into a pro rugby team very well. Malakai’s reputation is fantastic and he’s fitted in very well with the young guys. Antoine quietly goes about his business but he’s classy, a classy player.
“In fact, all three of them are classy players. I’ve been impressed by how they’ve fitted in on and off the field, importantly.”
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