Van Graan confirmed for Premiership move next season

The news comes 24 hours after Munster confirmed van Graan’s departure.

Just one day after it was announced that he was leaving Munster at the end of the season, it has been confirmed that Johaan van Graan will take on the role as Bath Head Coach next season.

The English giants announced the news earlier today on their social media channels saying,

“Bath Rugby is proud to announce the appointment of Johann van Graan as Head Coach for the 2022/23 season on a long-term contract. 

“The former Springboks Forwards Coach and current Munster Head Coach will join Bath for the 2022/23 season having served five successful years with the United Rugby Championship side, during which he has led Munster to two Champions Cup semi-finals, three league semi-finals, and a PRO14 final earlier this year.”

Munster’s second longest-serving Munster coach of the professional era, van Graan has guided the province to consistent successful performances across Europe and the domestic league.

Since joining in 2017 Munster have reached two Champions Cup semi-finals, three league semi-finals, and a PRO14 final earlier this year.

Speaking on the decision to leave yesterday, van Graan said,

“While I was at advanced stages in the contract process earlier this year, I took a step back and reconsidered my options, prioritising what’s best for my family, myself, and Munster Rugby.

“My family and I settled well into life here, this is our home, and in an ideal world we would love to continue living in Limerick, but I’ve been looking at the bigger picture.

“After arriving during the 2017/18 season, I am now into my fifth season with this group and in putting Munster first I believe it’s the right decision for me to call time on my contribution and step away at the end of this season.