Munster head-hunting Bok assistant

With the heavily tipped Dave Wessels taking up the post at Melbourne Rebels, Munster have opted to go for Johann van Graan as a replacement fpor Erasmus.

Erasmus will remain on in his current position – Director of Rugby – until the end of the calendar year, giving van Graan a period to learn the ropes, ensuring a smooth transition under the brief tutelage of Erasmus.

Van Graan, currently assistant coach to the Springboks and formerly with the Bulls, will link up with the Pro14 outfit on conclusion of the Rugby Championship.

Van Graan also worked under Heyneke Meyer during the 2015 World Cup as a forwards coach who, rather uniquely, also worked on the Boks attacking play.

Meyer attributed much of the rebranding of the Springboks image and transitioning to a more attacking style of rugby to van Graan.

"He never had a name and there were questions about him, and it was a risk I took," Meyer said at the tim.

"But to be honest it was probably the best appointment I've ever made.

"For one, because he came with no baggage, no background and secondly the way he grew in the position.

"Everywhere that he goes now, he has immense respect from coaches all over the world. That shows me it was the right appointment to make. He has been asked by all our Super Rugby franchises to pitch in and help."

Johann van Graan is the new Munster Director of Rugby https://t.co/QDwyHPBXUM

— Irish Times Sport (@IrishTimesSport) September 29, 2017