MUNSTER HAVE CONFIRMED the appointment of Stephen Larkham as the province’s new senior coach, as part of the off-season backroom team reshuffle at Thomond Park.  

Larkham, who was Australia’s attack coach for four years, has signed with the province until June 2022 and joins Graham Rowntree on Johann van Graan’s coaching staff ahead of the new season.

Larkham brings a wealth of experience to the position. Source: David Davies

The appointments of former Wallaby Larkham and Rowntree follows the departure of Jerry Flannery and Felix Jones as forwards and attack coach respectively, while defence coach JP Ferreira remains part of the set-up. 

Munster say it is their intention to add one more coach to van Graan’s staff ahead of the 2019/20 campaign. 

“I am very excited and honoured to be joining Munster Rugby,” Larkham said.

“A big part of my decision lies in the values of the club and the importance they place on community. I have come from a very similar environment and know how effective and enjoyable that can be.

“I have had a number of conversations with Johann and I’m very excited to be working with him, as our views on rugby are very similar.

“I’m also looking forward to meeting and working with not only the other coaches in Graham and JP but also the very talented group of players that Munster have.” 

After winning 102 caps for the Wallabies, Larkham’s coaching career began at the Brumbies in 2011 with the former out-half elevated to the head coach role at the Super Rugby side within three years.

His success at the Brumbies led to Larkham’s appointment to the position of Wallabies attack coach on a part-time basis in 2015, a role he combined with his head coach duties at the Brumbies.