While speaking to journalists today, Munster forwards coach Graham Rowntree was tight-lipped on the subject of Munster’s new coaching ticket for next season.
Current head coach Johann Van Graan and defence coach JP Ferreira are due to join Bath, while senior/attack coach Stephen Larkham is returning to Australia to coach the Brumbies.
Rowntree has recently signed a two-year contract extension which will keep him at Munster until 2024. He could potentially step up himself into the head coach role, but he gave little away when asked about next season’s coaching ensemble.
"I know exactly what’s going on and who is involved, I’m just not going to tell you. I’m joking, I’m joking.
"There’s an ongoing process as regards the head coach appointment and where that is, I’m not sure. I know no more than you, it’s just a process, we wait to hear what’s going on there.
"I’m sorry to get you excited. No, I know of nothing. There’s an ongoing process and I’m sure we’ll know, one way or another, soon enough. How soon that is, I can’t say."
23 January 2022; Munster forwards coach Graham Rowntree before the Heineken Champions Cup Pool B match between Munster and Wasps at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
The names of many potential candidates have been bandied about in the press and on social media in recent months, with some since ruling themselves out of contention.
One of the favourites was current Racing 92 back coach and former Munster player Mike Prendergast. However, he distanced himself from the role, as have former Munster players Paul O’Connell and Ronan O’Gara.
Former Munster head coach Declan Kidney was rumoured to be in the mix for a return as Director of Rugby, but it is unclear how seriously he or Munster are considering this.
As of now, everything is largely unclear, but given Rowntree’s experience it would not be a surprise to see him step into the head coach role alongside a new DOR, and a new backs or forwards coach.
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