Graham Rowntree Departs Munster as Head Coach After Two Years

Munster has announced the departure of head coach Graham Rowntree by mutual agreement. The former England prop, who joined the club as forwards coach five years ago, is leaving after three consecutive defeats in the United Rugby Championship. Rowntree was appointed head coach in 2022, having previously joined the Irish province as a forwards coach three years prior. Ian Costello, the head of rugby operations, will assume the role of interim head coach as the search for Rowntree’s successor commences. Rowntree stated: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here in Munster working with a very talented group of players and coaches.” He added: “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.” In his inaugural season as head coach, Rowntree guided Munster to the URC title, which marked their first trophy in 12 years. Although Munster also secured the top spot in the URC last season, the 53-year-old’s departure follows a disappointing beginning to the current campaign. Munster chief executive Ian Flanagan commented: “We would like to thank Graham for his passion and dedication to Munster Rugby over the past five years, and I would like to wish him and his family the very best for the future on behalf of Munster Rugby.” Flanagan further noted: “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.”