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Rugby

Johann van Graan excited to link up with new coaches Rowntree and Larkham

Munster head-coach Johann van Graan says he's looking forward to the arrival of new coaches Steph...



Johann van Graan excited to li...
Rugby

Johann van Graan excited to link up with new coaches Rowntree and Larkham

Munster head-coach Johann van Graan says he's looking forward to the arrival of new coaches Stephen Larkham and Graham Rowntree.

Australia legend Larkham will make the move to Thomond Park next month while Rowntree's time with Munster will get underway after Georgia's World Cup campaign.

Van Graan feels both men will boost the setup at the Reds.

“I’m really looking forward to Graham and Stephen coming in, Stephen will be coming in for the second block of pre-season. He was such a fantastic player and is a brilliant human being. I think he’ll fit really well with Munster and bring in one or two fresh ideas.

“I’ve known Graham for quite a long time. As soon as he’s finished with Georgia, he’ll join us. He’ll bring something different. He’s a fantastic guy, a typical Leicester forward who knows how to get a pack going. I’m really excited to get Graham and Stephen in.”

15 Munster players are currently away with Ireland's World Cup training squad and the South African feels that'll present chances for fringe players to impress in pre-season.

“It’s a brilliant opportunity to get all of the academy lads in with the senior guys that are left,” he continued. “At this stage, we’re training with 25 players which is great to have a smaller group and to really get the know the players.

“We function in a performance world and you’ve got to be at your best when your best is required and your best is required every single day. We’re not playing a game for over two months so it’s vitally important to enjoy the pre-season but also grow every single day.”

“This week we’re on the field three times, next week we’ll be on the field four times and that’ll increase. Once we’re in the second block, the main focus will be on rugby and the load of rugby.

“Spending time across all parts of the game, your attack, your defence, your kicking game, your breakdown, your contact skills, your broken-field attack and defence and all the individual parts of the game.”

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