Johann van Graan to join Munster as head coach

South African Rugby have today confirmed that Springbok forwards coach Johann van Graan has been released from his contract and that he will join Irish province Munster as their new head coach.

“Johann has proven himself as an outstanding coach and he has a very bright future ahead of him,” said SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux .

"The Munster appointment is an excellent opportunity for him to test and prove himself as a head coach in a very competitive European club rugby environment.

“I have no doubt that Johann will be successful in his new role and the next chapter of his coaching career...”

Van Graan spent the last six seasons as Springbok forwards coach, having first being appointed in the role before the start of the 2012 Test season by former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer.

The 37-year-old Van Graan also worked with Meyer at the Bulls, where he was part of the team that won the Super Rugby title on three occasions.

Munster Rugby and the IRFU are have also confirmed that Johann van Graan will join the province in November, having signed a contract as Head Coach until June 2020.