VIDEO | Johann van Graan’s First Interview As Munster Head Coach

New Head Coach Johann van Graan arrived at the province this week and spoke about his new role on Wednesday in a first interview since joining Munster.

In this wide-ranging interview, Johann speaks about his first few days in the new job, experiencing the Thomond Park atmosphere in the narrow victory over Racing 92, and looks ahead to an action-packed schedule that begins this Sunday with a Guinness PRO14 clash in Zebre (1.30pm Irish time, live on Sky Sports – Munster team to be announced at noon).

“I am loving my time thus far,” said Van Graan.

“It has been very busy the last few weekends. I was here for the Racing game, flew to South Africa and went straight into Springbok camp. I finished off with two test matches the last one on Saturday evening with the Springboks against the French.

“This is my third day at the office, loving it at this stage and loving to be here. You can sense that this is a special club.

“I really enjoyed Felix [Jones] and Jerry [Flannery] the previous times I was over and I had a very good debrief with Rassie [Erasmus] and Jacques [Nienaber]. So we have been planning for this all along – they’re [Flannery and Jones] taking the lead in the rugby this week.

“I’m looking forward to the game at the weekend and from Monday next week I will take full control.”

Van Graan’s first home game in charge sees Ospreys visit Irish Independent Park in eight days with his first Thomond Park game against Leicester Tigers in two weeks. Tickets are still available for both games.

Next two home games

Saturday, December 2

Guinness PRO14: Munster v Ospreys, Irish Independent Park, 5.30pm; Adult Tickets from €20

Saturday, December 9

European Champions Cup: Munster v Leicester Tigers, Thomond Park, 7.45pm; Adult Tickets from €20