Munster Forwards Coach Andi Kyriacou Leaves Club

The club has announced that Munster forwards coach Andi Kyriacou has departed the Irish province with immediate effect. This exit occurs just over three weeks following head coach Graham Rowntree’s decision to leave. His departure, which is reportedly due to family reasons, follows head coach Graham Rowntree’s unexpected departure in late October. Kyriacou, a former Munster hooker, initially joined the club in 2021 as an elite player development officer. During his inaugural season as forwards coach in 2022-23, the club won the United Rugby Championship (URC) title. Last season, after finishing at the top of the United Rugby Championship (URC) table, Munster’s aspirations of retaining the title were concluded by a play-offs semi-final home defeat against Glasgow. This season, the team has recorded four losses in six URC games and is presently positioned 12th in the 16-team table. Kyriacou stated, “I would like to thank the players, management, and fans for the warm welcome throughout both my times at Munster.” He added, “However, I have lived apart from my young family for several years now and we felt it timely to continue our rugby journey back in the UK.” Backs coach Mike Prendergast is considered one of the potential successors to Rowntree as head coach, while Ian Costello, the province’s head of rugby operations, is currently serving in an interim capacity.