“He’s the boss, until the 30th of June. Nothing changes” – Graham Rowntree on working under Johann van Graan

"I'm ready."

Graham Rowntree is still the Munster forwards coach but, when the bell tolls on July 1, he will become head coach of the province. The former England forward, and assistant coach, may have required a Powerpoint presentation, some names and contacts to bring in when he takes over and all many of bold declarations and set ideas about how to return Munster to their former glories. On Tuesday afternoon at the province's High Performance Centre, in Limerick, he was almost low-key. The stage still belongs to Johann van Graan, he insisted, and he is just a player in the South African's ensemble. Rowntree will have a two-season deal as head coach and, with the likes of JP Fereira and Stephen Larkham heading off, there will be a new-look coaching ticket. No Rassie Erasmus-style Director of Rugby will be coming in. Rowntree will be the head of the coaching tree. At the press briefing to preview the second leg of Munster's Last 16 encounter with Exeter, though, the 50-year-old was giving little else away. Asked about coaching team additions, he commented:

"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]

"Mad about their rugby. Enjoy the craic. Say no more!"

Having been assistant to the likes of Stuart Lancaster, John Kingston and Warren Gatland, Graham Rowntree has vast experience of being a cog in the coaching wheel. From this summer, he will be the man held responsible for making it turn smoothly. But not before. Up until July 1, he has rowed in behind a man, in Johann van Graan, that has come under increasing pressure to deliver a team that can win silverware.

"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.

---