Van Graan’s Start Date At Munster Is Revealed
Incoming Munster head coach Johann van Graan, who is currently in Dublin with the South African sqad, will link up with the province the week commencing November 20.
The Springboks assistant coach will be released from his duties with the national side on completion of the Test games against Ireland and France on November 11 and 18 respectively.
Johann van Graan’s arrival in Limerick will coincide with Munster’s return to GUINNESS PRO14 action with the squad preparing to take on Zebre in round 9 on Sunday, November 26.
Commenting on van Graan and his influence in the ‘Boks camp, South Africa head coach Allister Coetzee said: “He has been massive (for us) and besides his tactical info and coaching ability, he is a good person and a good human being. He has been doing a good job for the Springboks over the last few years.
“It will be a big loss to the Springboks but a massive gain for Munster. He has been working well in our coaching structures. Assistant is a starting point to being a coach and once you have been a good one that makes it easier to become a good head coach as well.
“He has been an outstanding assistant coach. His knowledge of the game is second to none. He is a hard worker – and that’s what you need from an assistant coach – and tactically very astute.”
Meanwhile, the Munster players, who are currently on a down week following their bonus point victory over the Dragons, have said their goodbyes to Jacques Nienaber with the defence coach returning home to South Africa at the end of this week.