Graham Rowntree departs as Munster Rugby head coach

Graham Rowntree has departed Munster as head coach by mutual consent and with immediate effect, the province and the IRFU have confirmed on Tuesday.

The announcement comes as Munster prepare to host a New Zealand All Blacks XV in a sell-out clash at Thomond Park on Saturday, but follows a third straight defeat in the URC and a difficult start to the new season.

Head of Rugby Operations Ian Costello has assumed charge as an interim head coach, with Munster saying the recruitment process for Rowntree’s replacement will get underway immediately.

In a statement issued on Tuesday morning, Munster Rugby CEO Ian Flanagan said: “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.

“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.”

The mutual decision ends a five-year association between Munster and the former England, Harlequins and Georgia assistant coach, who was beginning his third season as head coach.

Rowntree said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here in Munster working with a very talented group of players and coaches.

“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 look forward to a new chapter.”

After a bumpy start to his tenure as head coach, Rowntree delivered Munster’s first trophy in 12 years when he concluded his first season in charge with a URC grand final victory over the Stormers