Rowntree falls on his Munster sword

NEWS: Coach Graham Rowntree has decided to depart Munster after a horrid start to the season

Munster and the Irish Rugby Football Union confirmed the departure of Rowntree – by ‘mutual agreement’.

The 2023 champions, Munster, are in 12th place on the United Rugby Championship standings after just two wins from six starts.

Rowntree’s departure came on the back of a winless trip to South Africa – losing 19-34 the the 13th-placed Stormers and 24-41 to the Sharks.

After joining the province in 2019, Rowntree spent three years as forwards coach, before being appointed head coach ahead of the 2022/23 season.

In his first season, Rowntree led Munster to the URC title, the province’s first trophy in 12 years, before overseeing a top-of-the-table finish in last season’s URC campaign.

* (Article continues below …)

“We would like to thank Graham for his passion and dedication to Munster over the past five years,” Munster CEO Ian Flanagan said.

“I would like to wish him and his family the very best for the future on behalf of Munster.”

The change to the senior men’s coaching team is with immediate effect, with Head of Rugby Operations Ian Costello taking over as interim head coach.

The recruitment process for a permanent head coach will get underway immediately.

“With the All Blacks XV coming to a sold-out Thomond Park this weekend and a number of big games on the horizon in November and December, our focus will be on continuing to support the coaches and the players for the season ahead,” Flanagan said.

Graham Rowntree said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Munster working with a very talented group of players and coaches.

“I would like to thank the wider Munster family for all the support they have shown me in my time here but now is the right stage for my family and I to look forward to a new chapter.”