Johann Van Graan Opens The Door For Two Munster Legends To Return

Door is open.

Munster head coach Johann van Graan is open to adding to his current coaching ticket next season – and has left the door open for Paul O’Connell and Ronan O’Gara to return.

O’Connell is currently forwards coach at Stade Francais, but will leave his current role at the end of the season just one year in to his original two-year contract.

O’Gara meanwhile is yet to sign a contract extension with the Crusaders, with his current deal expiring at the end of the current Super Rugby season.

But van Graan, who recently signed a contract extension himself with Munster, is focused on getting his current staff members (Felix Jones and Jerry Flannery) to sign new deals first.

“We’ve first got to sort out the guys that we currently have,” van Graan told Virgin Media Sport.

“We as a coaching group are working very well together and obviously I came in mid-season last season and we got through last season, did all of our planning, and I’m really enjoying it.

Once his current ticket is secured, the South African is open to adding more experience – and has revealed he’s been in “constant contact” with both O’Connell and O’Gara.

“Everyone else is really enjoying it. We’re always open to adding some additional personnel. We’ll finish the year first and then make our decisions after.” van Graan added

“Nothing’s ever impossible. Paulie is doing some great work with Stade Français and he’s finishing up. ROG has been absolutely fantastic at Crusaders and he’s possibly the most sought-after coach in the world, if I’m not mistaken.”

“I’ve been in constant contact with them, but there’s a lot of quality coaches all over the world and we’ll do what’s the best for Munster.”

“Look, they’re fantastic people and fantastic coaches. We’re all on different journeys in our coaching paths, so I wouldn’t say yes or no to that. We’ll see what the future holds.”

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