Just the ticket.

Munster head coach Johann van Graan is currently working hard with the southern province with pre-season preparations well underway ahead of the new season.

The South African is without his international stars as they get set for a trip to Japan for the Rugby World Cup, but has enjoyed working with a smaller group of players, giving him a chance to get to know some of Munster’s future stars.

“It’s a brilliant opportunity to get all of the academy lads in with the senior guys that are left,” van Graan told Munster Rugby this week.

“At this stage, we’re training with 25 players which is great to have a smaller group and to really get the know the players.

Van Graan lost the services of backs coach Felix Jones and forwards coach Jerry Flannery at the end of last season, but is set to welcome two very able replacements in Stephen Larkham and Graham Rowntree in the coming weeks.

“I’m really looking forward to Graham and Stephen coming in,” the South African said.

“Stephen will be coming in for the second block [of pre-season]. He was such a fantastic player and is a brilliant human being. I think he’ll fit really well with Munster and bring in one or two fresh ideas.

“I’ve known Graham for quite a long time. As soon as he’s finished with Georgia, he’ll join us. He’ll bring something different. He’s a fantastic guy, a typical Leicester forward who knows how to get a pack going. I’m really excited to get Graham and Stephen in.”