Appointing Johann van Graan would be ‘leap of faith’ by Munster

Brian O’Driscoll believes Munster’s possible appointment of South African Johann van Graan as its new director of rugby is a leap of faith in the judgement of outgoing boss Rassie Erasmus.

Both Munster and the South African Rugby Union, van Graan’s current employers, were remaining tight-lipped yesterday with the Irish province stating that there was nothing further to add to IRFU performance director David Nucifora’s pronouncements on the matter on Tuesday that negotiations with an unnamed chosen candidate were well advanced but not finalised.

Yet reports of Van Graan’s imminent appointment have gained credence in his native South Africa with indications that he would be leaving his posts as Springboks’ assistant and forwards coach at the end of the current Rugby Championship.