TRANSFER TRACKER: URC discard joins JRLO outfit
TRANSFER NEWS: Japan Rugby League One outfit D-Rocks have confirmed former coach and Scotland international Greig Laidlaw’s successor.
Former Munster head coach Graham Rowntree will take the reins from Laidlaw ahead of the new JRLO season that kicks off in December.
Rowntree guided Munster to their first United Rugby Championship title in 12 years by defeating the Stormers in Cape Town in 2023, before a rocky start to the 2024/25 season saw him depart the Irish club through a mutual agreement.
He will be responsible for strengthening D-Rocks’ competitive capabilities while furthering their philosophy of being a “development-oriented club”.
Rowntree commented: “I am delighted to be allowed to lead such an ambitious and proud club.
“The Japanese league is becoming more and more competitive every year.
“I look forward to driving an environment where we can change and adapt to be more competitive.”
This change in structure is an important step towards realising our medium- to long-term goal of becoming a club that will compete for the championship in 2028.
In other transfer news:
- The Hurricanes are set to welcome former star Ngani Laumape to Wellington when they host Moana Pasifika in their opening match of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.