New era.

Munster Rugby have acquired the services of Lions defence coach JP Ferreira, who will join the southern province on January 1st from the Super Rugby side. Ferreira is highly rated in the southern hemisphere, having helped guide the Lions to two consecutive Super Rugby finals.

He has been with the Lions for over ten years, but will now assume a new role with Munster, replacing the recently departed Jacques Nienaber, who along with former director of rugby Rassie Erasmus, took up a role with the South African Rugby Union.

Ferreira says it will be hard to say goodbye, but feels now is the time for him to “improve, grow and experience a new culture, team, environment and competitions.”

“It is really hard to say goodbye to this amazing Lions family. I have been fortunate and blessed to have been with the Lions for ten years and have been part of ten Currie Cup and Super Rugby Competitions. There have been extreme highs and lows in these ten years of service, but nothing that I would ever regret. It has been an amazing time,” said Ferreira.

“I feel that it is now time for me to improve, grow and experience a new culture, team, environment and competitions. I want to thank every single coach, player and support staff that invested in my life at the Lions Rugby Company in these ten years. I cannot thank you enough.

“I’m really excited and am looking forward to this next challenge and chapter in my and my family’s lives.”

Some excellent business by Munster.