Former Munster Rugby coach Graham Rowntree lands new head coach role

FORMER Munster Rugby head coach Graham Rowntree has landed a new head coach role in Japan.

URC winning head coach Rowntree has been appointed as the new head coach at Japan Rugby League One side Urayasu D-Rocks.

Rowntree's tenure as Munster Rugby Head Coach ended 'by mutual agreement' last October just six games into the BKT United Rugby Championship season. Rowntree had been under contract until the summer of 2026.

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After joining Munster in 2019, Rowntree spent three years as the province's 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.

Announcing news of Rowntree's appointment, Urayasu D-Rocks said the former England international had an extensive track record in European rugby, and is particularly highly regarded for his expertise in player development and team building.

Graham Rowntree said: "I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead such an ambitious and proud club. The Japan league is becoming more and more competitive every year.

"I look forward to driving an environment where we can change and adapt to be more competitive.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead such an ambitious and proud club. The Japanese league is becoming more and more competitive every year, and I look forward to creating an environment that allows us to change and adapt so that we can become even more competitive."