Van Graan linked with a move back to SA

Munster head Johann van Graan could be on his way back to South Africa to fill the void at the Bulls left by England assistant John Mitchell.

The Bulls have been searching for Mitchell's replacement with former players Fourie du Preez and Victor Matfield also being linked for the role with the latter ruling himself out of contention.

Munster officials denied the reports but a move back to the Bulls could still be on the cards with van Graan having close ties to with the union.

Van Graan began his coaching career at the Bulls as a technical advisor at the age of 24 before going on to coach the forwards and attack as the side from Pretoria went on to win two Super Rugby titles before he joined the Springbok coaching staff.

Van Graan's father Barend is the outgoing CEO of the Bulls giving the rumour even more credibility.

Rassie Erasmus is on the committee to decide on the Bulls coaching position, with the others being Van Graan’s father and outgoing Bulls CEO Barend van Graan, chairperson of the Blue Bulls coaching association Blikkies Groenewald and former Western Province coach Alan Zondagh.

Gloucester’s head coach Johann Ackermann and the Southern Kings mentor Deon Davids have also been linked with the role while former Junior Springbok coach Dawie Theron is another name being mentioned.