Photograph: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
MUNSTER rugby head coach Johann van Graan is to leave the province at the end of this season.
On Tuesday morning, Munster Rugby confirmed that the South African had decided not to accept a new two-year deal and he will leave his role as Head Coach at the end of June. He has been linked with a move to English club, Bath.
In October 2017, he was announced as the successor to Rassie Erasmus, van Graan said the decision to move on from Munster was done by looking at the bigger picture. He was the second longest-serving Munster coach of the professional era.
Prior to this, he was part of the Springboks coaching setup, first taking on the role of technical adviser in 2012 and progressed to the role of forwards coach. In the coaching restructure post-2015 Rugby World Cup, van Graan was the only member of the coaching team to survive.
During his time with Munster, he has been key to overseeing the recruitment of key signings such as Joey Carbery, Alby Mathewson, Mike Haley, and Simon Zebo. Under his watch, Munster have reached two Champions Cup semi-finals, three league semi-finals, and a PRO14 final earlier this year.
“While I was at advanced stages in the contract process earlier this year, I took a step back and reconsidered my options, prioritising what’s best for my family, myself, and Munster Rugby,” he said in a statement on Tueday. “My family and I settled well into life here, this is our home, and in an ideal world we would love to continue living in Limerick, but I’ve been looking at the bigger picture”.
Leaving at the end of his fifth season is done with the best interests of the province, he said, “in putting Munster first I believe it’s the right decision for me to call time on my contribution and step away at the end of this season. While we have achieved so much together, and still have over six months of the season remaining, I wanted any uncertainty about my future addressed as early as possible”.
He added, “Working with this coaching team, staff, and players we are always striving to do our best for Munster Rugby, and nothing will change on that front. It has been an incredible journey and I’m hugely proud of this group for everything we have done to-date knowing there is so much more to come as we move towards the business end of the season”.
CEO of Munster Rugby, Ian Flanagan stated, “We will be disappointed to see Johann go at the end of the season, he will be widely missed after forming such close relationships across the organisation. Johann has been a valued addition to the province and integral to all the successes we have achieved over the past four years. His hands-on approach and tireless work ethic have ensured the structures are well in place for continued success and we know he will continue to deliver on all fronts for the remainder of the season”.
Senior coach, Stephen Larkham has already confirmed he will be leaving Munster at the end of this season. The Australian is returning home to the Brumbies after declining an extension offer.
Flanagan confirmed that Munster are working closely with the IRFU “to identify suitable replacements” for Johann and Stephen.
