Graham Rowntree has bolstered his Munster staff with Connacht raid

Graham Rowntree has bolstered his Munster backroom staff for next season, the head coach securing the services of Connacht assistant Mossy Lawlor. A statement read: “Munster Rugby and the IRFU are pleased to confirm that Mossy Lawler will join the province at the beginning of the 2023/24 season as skills coach.

“A former Munster player, Mossy will return to the province after eight years with Connacht Rugby where he is attack and skills coach with the senior men’s squad. Prior to his current role, he was an elite player development officer with their academy and head coach to the Connacht Eagles.

“Lawler played with Munster from 2000 to 2008, enjoying Heineken Cup, Celtic League and Celtic Cup success before making the move to play in the Premiership with Wasps. The Limerick man has previously held the position of UL Bohemian director of rugby and coached at his former school Ardscoil Ris.”

Rowntree, who became head coach in 2022, said: "We are delighted to have Mossy joining our set-up this summer. We have been really impressed with what he has done in Connacht over the last few years, and he will be a valuable addition to our coaching ticket bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role.

"We are always looking for ways to improve and fine-tune what we are doing so to have a dedicated resource in this area and someone of Mossy’s calibre working with our players will be really beneficial.”