Former England and British & Irish Lions assistant coach Graham Rowntree has agreed to become a part of Munster’s long-term plans by signing a deal until 2022.
Rowntree will make the move to Thomond Park following the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup where he will be on duty with Georgia.
Munster and head coach Johann van Graan are working to fill the voids left by coaches Jerry Flannery and Felix Jones, with Rowntree’s Lions colleague Rob Howley also linked with the PRO14 club.
Overseeing England’s scrum for the best part of seven years, acting Munster chief executive Philip Quinn said:
“We are really pleased to have secured Graham in such a timely manner. The Professional Game Board and Johann have been tirelessly working on our coaching appointments for the past month and to secure a coach of Graham’s calibre is a credit to the work going on behind the scenes.
“We believe Graham is a fantastic appointment for the province as he brings a wealth of experience from an extensive list of top-level coaching positions, and will add further value to our coaching ticket.
“We understand there is more work to be done on the coaching front, and we will continue in our search for experienced coaches to join Johann and the province.”
Resigning from his position with the RFU after the sackings of Stuart Lancaster and Andy Farrell, both now based in Ireland, after England’s disparaging 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign, Rowntree spent two seasons with Harlequins.
Paul Gustard’s arrival last season led to a shake-up among the backroom staff at Twickenham Stoop, and Rowntree took up the job of forwards coach with Georgia.
The Lelos are pooled with Wales, Australia, Fiji and Uruguay for the year’s most anticipated spectacle, but it will be Limerick where Rowntree calls home come the tournament’s end.
“I’m delighted to be joining such a prestigious club,” Rowntree said.
“Although fully committed to Georgia until the end of the World Cup, I’m really looking forward to working with Johann and his team.”
Rowntree has toured with the Lions in 2009, 2013, 2017, acting as assistant first to Sir Ian McGeechan and then Warren Gatland. It’s almost two years until the Lions head to South Africa, this betting glossary can help you better understood the betting terminology.
