JOHANN VAN GRAAN has forcefully quashed reports linking him with the vacant head coach role at the Blue Bulls, reaffirming his commitment to Munster with whom he is under contract with until 2020.
The South African, who took over from Rassie Erasmus as Munster head coach in October 2017, was last week linked with the position at the Super Rugby outfit following John Mitchell’s departure.
Van Graan speaking after Saturday’s defeat of Glasgow. Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO
Speaking after Saturday’s Guinness Pro14 victory over Glasgow Warriors, van Graan moved to end speculation suggesting he could return home to rejoin the Bulls having spent eight seasons there as technical advisor and then forwards and attack coach.
“I am not going back to the Bulls,” he stated. “I signed a contract until the end of June 2020 with Munster. I’m loving every single moment of it.
“You’ll always have approaches, there will always be speculation. I’m staying at Munster and I believe in this journey. I believe in our squad and I believe in this club and I’m staying in Munster.”
The Bulls are currently searching for a successor to Mitchell, who was recently appointed to the position of England defence coach under Eddie Jones, with Erasmus — now South Africa coach — a member of the recruitment committee.
Reports in South Africa also suggested Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann and Southern Kings boss Deon Davids were on the shortlist alongside van Graan, but Munster supporters will be relieved to hear of the 38-year-old’s intentions.
Following the dramatic last-gasp victory over Glasgow at Thomond Park, as the southern province overturned a 14-point deficit thanks to Rory Scannell’s long-range penalty, van Graan was understandably delighted with the character his players showed.
Victory, their fourth home win of the campaign, saw Munster move into third position in Conference A and end an important five-game block on a positive note after a strong start to their European campaign.
“I was pretty composed after an hour,” he continued. “I knew we had the wind on our backs. This club doesn’t know how to give up, that’s what Munster’s renowned for, we’re never beaten until we get back in the changing room.
“We’d three big wins at home and we knew a close one was going to come, I didn’t believe it was going to be that close, but this game keeps you humble and tonight the luck was on our side.”