MUNSTER have announced the shock departure of head coach Graham Rowntree just six games into the new season.
The 53-year-old was hugely popular at Thomond Park having led the side to their first silverware in 12 years last year when they won the URC in his first season in charge.
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Rowntree’s exit has caused plenty of upset among Reds fans
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Munster lie 12th in the URC table with 12 points from their six fixtures so far
He took that post in 2022 to replace Johann van Graan having been forwards coach for the previous three years under the South African.
But the province has now announced that they have parted company with Rowntree by “mutual agreement” following a slow start to the season and four defeats in six games.
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.”
Munster have appointed Head of Rugby Operations Ian Costello as interim head coach with the search now underway for a successor.
Munster legend Ronan O’Gara would be a popular choice though is contracted to La Rochelle.
And former full back Felix Jones has a lot of experience having worked with South Africa though he is currently under contract to England.
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.
“I would like to wish him and his family the very best for the future on behalf of Munster Rugby.
“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.”
I won it all with Ireland and was named player of the year and now I work for a packaging company on six-figure salary
The decision has been widely panned by Reds supporters given how much rotten injury luck hampered Rowntree’s ability to develop the side last season as well as this campaign.
Carlton blasted: “Very premature decision. What better coaches are actually available?
“Squad isn’t good enough to compete in Europe and did okay in URC.”
A similarly irate Josef vented: “I’m sure it was more mutual on your side than it was on Graham’s.
“The man gave you the first trophy in ages, I feel like he deserves better than a mid-season booting!”
Eimear added: “This is the worst decision yet. Is the plan here to destroy Munster Rugby altogether?
“I thought Roundtree was the best coach we’ve had in years.
“He had the Munster ethos. It’s not easy being Munster fan as it was. Now the club is destroying itself.”
Finally, Steve took umbrage with him now missing out on the chance to coach against New Zealand when they visit Thomond Park on November 2.
He roared: “Jesus what are ye at? He was Munster through and through between injuries and awful player recruitment he wasn’t the problem…
“Could ye have not him have the All Black game to manage? He at least deserved that…”
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