
Share
12th April 2022
01:46pm BST

"I'm already speaking to people. Obviously, throughout the process I've had to have had a plan to present. So I'll continue with that [plan], without getting distracted."As for van Graan, Rowntree shut down any talk of him taking on more roles and duties before this 2021/22 season wrapped. [caption id="attachment_256531" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Munster head coach Johann van Graan and forwards coach Graham Rowntree pictured before during the Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 first leg match against Exeter, at Sandy Park. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile)[/caption]
"He's the boss, until the 30th of June," Rowntree stated. "Nothing changes on that coaching side of things, or that dynamic. He's the boss. I enjoy working for the man."It was noted how Rowntree was visible on TV screens, especially during a half-time team talk at Sandy Park, at the weekend: https://twitter.com/btsportrugby/status/1513862476970008580 The forwards coach was asked if he had known a while now that the top job was his. "I don't think I've to tell you any more detail," he said, "but very recently, let's put it that way. I found out very recently." Having played 17 years for Leicester Tigers, and then coached there for a further season, Rowntree identifies a lot between the English side and Munster.
"As I've said before, it is very much like the environment I grew up with, in Leicester. Very down to earth, humble group of people. Very passionate, big support-base, mad about their rugby. Enjoy the craic. Say no more!" "I'm ready. I just feel I'm ready. I know the club, and it just feels the right time. I've learned a lot. You get to a point in time, in your career, when you feel comfortable about making the step up, with what you've learned, the experiences you've been through. That's why I threw my hat in the ring and, luckily, I got it."The gig is his, but not just yet. Further details will become clearer in the coming weeks but there will hopefully be some Irish involvement in the coaching ranks of the senior side. If one, two or all of Mike Prendergast, Ian Costello and Felix Jones were to be involved, fans would really get excited about what lies ahead.
Explore more on these topics: