IN A SHOCK development, Graham Rowntree has departed, with immediate effect, as Head Coach of Munster.
The Englishman had been contracted until the Summer of 2026, and his leaving comes after three URC losses on the trot.
The club’s Head of Rugby Operations Ian Costello has taken over as Interim Head Coach. The recruitment process for a permanent successor to Rowntree will get underway immediately, Munster confirmed.
In a brief statement, 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 to look forward to a new chapter.”
After joining the club in 2019, Rowntree spent three years as Forwards Coach before being appointed Head Coach ahead of the 2022/23 season.
In his first season as Head Coach, Rowntree led Munster to the URC title, the club’s first trophy in 12 years, before overseeing a top of the table finish in last season’s URC campaign.
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.”
He continued: “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.”
