Bath Rugby have appointed Johann van Graan as Head Coach for the 2022/23 season on a long-term contract.
Yesterday, it was announced that van Graan would leave his post at Munster at the end of the season.
The Rugby Paper had identified that van Graan was a strong candidate to take over the helm as head coach at The Rec next season.
Johann van Graan is Bath’s second coaching appointment in successive days, as Brent Janse van Rensburg was appointed as defence coach for the remainder of the 2021/22 season with immediate effect.
The former Springboks Forwards Coach and current Munster Head Coach will join Bath for the 2022/23 season having served five successful years with the United Rugby Championship side, during which he has led Munster to two Champions Cup semi-finals, three league semi-finals, and a PRO14 final earlier this year.
Neal Hatley will continue as Head Coach through to the end of the 2021/22 season.
Following his appointment, van Graan will be able to draw on significant expertise from the current coaching group.
On appointment, van Graan told the club website: “I am hugely excited for the opportunity to join Bath for the 2022/23 season. I see huge potential in this club, the players, coaches and staff. I am coming to Bath to work with everyone, and to achieve great success with everyone at the club.
Chief Executive Tarquin McDonald also told the club website: “We have huge ambition at Bath.
“Johann is a world-class coach who will play a fundamental role in our future success.
“He will hold full responsibility for our game, focussed on delivering winning performances. I am delighted to announce this appointment and look forward to welcoming Johann and his family to Bath this summer.”
Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper also told the clubs website: “Johann is a phenomenal coach with a proven track record of developing teams to be successful on the pitch. He has experienced winning rugby environments at the very highest level of the game and knows exactly what it takes.
