Graham Rowntree‘s resignation as head coach has been confirmed by mutual consent between Munster Rugby and the IRFU today. Prior to being named Head Coach for the 2022–2023 season, Rowntree served as the Forwards Coach for three years after joining the team in 2019.
Before managing a top-of-the-table finish in the previous season’s URC campaign, Rowntree guided Munster to the URC championship in his first season as head coach—the team’s first trophy in twelve years.
“We would like to thank Graham for his passion and dedication to Munster Rugby over the past five years, and on behalf of Munster Rugby, I would like to wish him and his family the very best for the future,” stated Ian Flanagan, CEO of Munster Rugby.
The change to the senior men’s coaching squad is with immediate effect, with Head of Rugby Operations Ian Costello taking over as Interim Head Coach. The hiring procedure for a permanent head coach will start right away.
Flanagan went on Our focus will be on continuing to support the coaches and the players for the season ahead, especially with the All Blacks XV visiting a sold-out Thomond Park this weekend and a number of important games coming up in November and December.”
I have really enjoyed working with a very talented group of players and coaches here in Munster, stated Graham Rowntree. I want to express my gratitude to the entire Munster family for their support during my stay here, but it is time for my family and I to start a new chapter. News for The Daily Rugby
Prior to being named head coach for the 2022–2023 season, Rowntree spent three years coaching the forwards after joining the team in 2019. The province and the IRFU stated on Tuesday that Graham Rowntree has left Munster as head coach by mutual consent and with immediate effect.
Following a third consecutive URC loss and a challenging start to the new season, the announcement comes as Munster gets ready to face a New Zeland All Blacks XV in a sell-out match at Thomond Park on Saturday.
Ian Costello, Head of Rugby Operations, has taken over as temporary head coach, and Munster has stated that the hiring process for Rowntree’s replacement would begin right away.
“We would like to thank Graham for his passion and dedication to Munster Rugby over the past five years, and on behalf of Munster Rugby, I would like to wish him and his family the very best for the future,” said Ian Flanagan, CEO of Munster Rugby, in a statement released Tuesday morning.
“Our focus will be on continuing to support the coaches and the players for the upcoming season, as the All Blacks XV will be visiting a sold-out Thomond Park this weekend and there are several important games in November and December.” The amicable decision puts an end to Munster’s five-year relationship with the former assistant coach for Georgia, Harlequins, and England.
“I have really enjoyed working with a very talented group of players and coaches here in Munster,” Rowntree stated.
“I want to express my gratitude to the entire Munster family for their support during my stay here, but it is time for my family and I to start a new chapter.” Following a difficult start to his coaching career, Rowntree ended his first season in command with a URC grand final victory over the Stormers in Cape Town in May 2022, giving Munster their first trophy in twelve years.
Munster was first in the rankings at the end of the URC regular season in June of last year, but their performance faltered once they advanced to the playoffs.
