Munster are on the hunt for a new head coach, after the province yesterday confirmed Johann van Graan will be leaving his role at the end of the season. The South African arrived at Thomond Park in November 2017, replacing compatriot Rassie Erasmus, but is now set to take over at English Premiership side Bath in the summer. Munster said in a statement yesterday the 41-year-old had turned down the offer of a two-year contract extension on completion of his current deal. However this morning Gerry Thornley reports van Graan signed a new two-year deal in March but has now activated a release clause in order to leave Limerick after five seasons. So, who next for Munster? Gerry Thornley again writes: "Ronan O'Gara would be the favourite choice, and ideally in the 'dream ticket' alongside Paul O'Connell, but both men are at the start of projects they will not be inclined to abandon. There's also a retinue of ex-Munster players coaching abroad in addition to O'Gara. Mike Prendergast has put together an impressive CV over the last nine years in the Top 14 and, likewise, James Coghlan's coaching graph continues to rise. . . Further afield, former centre Jason Holland has risen to head coach at the Hurricanes." There was some more bad news for Munster yesterday with Joey Carbery's terrible luck with injuries continuing - the Ireland outhalf suffered a fractured elbow during the Champions Cup win over Wasps and will undergo surgery this week.
Leeds' difficult season continued last night, as they were beaten 7-0 away by Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's side raced into an early lead through Phil Foden before Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne effectively sealed all three points by the half hour mark. Things went from bad to worse for Marcelo Bielsa's visitors after the break, with Riyad Mahrez, De Bruyne, John Stones and Nathan Ake making it seven. City are now four clear at the top of the Premier League while Leeds remain a lowly 16th. Elsewhere last night Aston Villa were comfortable 2-0 winners away to Norwich on a chastening evening for former boss Dean Smith. Tonight there are four fixtures, with Brighton hosting Wolves (7.30pm), Burnley taking on Watford (7.30pm), Palace against Southampton (7.30pm) and West Ham travel to Arsenal (8pm). However fears are continuing to mount over the Covid situation in the top flight, with the Premier League stepping up measures including daily testing for players and staff at top flight clubs.
In his column this morning Gordon D'Arcy has reflected on a fine weekend's work for the provinces, as all four began their 2021-22 Champions Cup campaigns with a victory. However, despite a good start for the Irish, he still believes the current format ultimately weakens the tournament. He writes: "Covid-19 has obviously had a massive impact but there are still clubs picking and choosing when it comes to playing with a full deck, personnel-wise. Playing a scratch side one week and then a much stronger team the following weekend compromises the integrity of the pool stage. It's a process to whittle 24 teams down to 16 against a backdrop of varying levels of interest. It has produced some one-sided affairs." And he has suggested Ian Costello, who coached Munster to their win at Wasps, should be in line for a prominent role within the new set-up when van Graan departs: "There will be a turnover of personnel in terms of the spine of the team over the next couple of seasons given the age profile in several positions, something that will have to be managed carefully. His knowledge of the root-and-branch structure, the players coming through and what it means to play for Munster are important considerations."
Elsewhere this morning Keith Duggan has spoken to Eileen and Moira Dunne on their new book 'All Star Gazing', which looks at the evolution of the All Star awards since their inception in 1971, and their importance in tracking the radical shift in Irish society which has taken place over the last 50 years.
And David Warner has been passed fit to open the batting for Australia in the second Ashes Test in Adelaide. Jhye Richardson replaces the injured Josh Hazlewood for the day-night match, which gets underway at 4am Irish time tomorrow.
