The South African has today been confirmed as Rassie Eramus’ replacement

Van Graan will join up with the Province in November, leaving his role as South Africa’s forwards coach, a position in which he led his side to a bronze medal at the 2015 World Cup.

In 2009 and 2010 he was the Bull’s forwards and attack coach as they claimed back to back Super Rugby titles.

Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald said he was delighted with the appointment after a long and arduous search

“Rugby was the focal point of this process and in Johann we are getting a recognised rugby intellectual with a proven track record and extensive experience working with a national side.

“An analyst of the game, his technical ability and interpersonal skills have made him an integral member of the South African rugby landscape for over a decade, and it is now time for an ambitious Johann to make an impact in a new rugby environment.

“We know Johann, with forwards coach Jerry Flannery and backline and attack coach, Felix Jones, will continue to establish the structures and processes required to bring this Munster team forward in terms of growth and success.”

David Nucifora, the IRFU’s performance director echoed Fitzgerald’s comments saying “Johann is an exciting addition to our coaching team and we are delighted to welcome him to Irish rugby.  His track record with the Springboks and the Bulls, in Super Rugby, is impressive and we are confident he will use this experience, and more, to continue the progress in Munster rugby.”

The man himself, Johan van Grann, was also delighted with his appointment saying “I am immensely excited and honoured to join Munster and to be part of a Club with a unique ethos and history dating back 138 years to 1879. Some of the words I associate with Munster Rugby are passion, excellence, ambition and integrity, and I feel very fortunate to be handed this opportunity. I am looking forward to working with the Munster players, support staff and supporters on this new journey, and to become part of their community.”

Munster’s new director of rugby will first work with Eramus’ in a transition period in id November subject to work permits, before completely taking over from the departing South African.