'He's incredibly passionate' - Jack O'Donoghue welcomes Rowntree appointment

If perception is reality, the appointment of Graham Rowntree to head coach will have been a popular one in the Munster dressing room.

The Englishman had big boots to fill when he arrived after the 2019 Rugby World Cup, replacing Jerry Flannery who had surprisingly departed a few months earlier from his role as forwards coach.

In his two and a half seasons as part of Johann van Graan's backroom team Rowntree has done a steady job with the Munster pack. While they've come unstuck against more powerful forward units - such as Toulouse in last year's Heineken Champions Cup - their scrum and lineout has consistently held its own even against more destructive teams.

As a personality, Rowntree has always seemed well-liked by his players, particularly the forwards who have had the most facetime with the former prop.

It was no surprise then to hear Jack O'Donoghue's endorsement of his soon-to-be head coach.

"Incredibly pleased," the back row said of Rowntree's promotion.

"From a passion point of view, the minute he came in the door two years ago he hit the ground running.

"To have him stepping up in that head coach role will be exciting and I'm really looking forward to it."

The 50-year-old (below) had been expected to get the nod to succeed Van Graan in recent weeks, and was offered the job last week before the province announced it publicly on Tuesday.

Last Saturday, he got the unofficial seal of approval from Munster fans, after a video clip emerged of him tearing strips out of his players at half time in their Champions Cup last 16 first leg against Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park.

With Munster 10-0 down at the break, and having been played off the park in the opening 40, Rowntree's words looked to have made an impact, with the province