Johann van Graan seeking to develop extensive Munster brains trust

Johann van Graan is seeking to develop a Munster brains trust at the province to guide him through his opening months as head coach, with Paul O’Connell a possible member of his think tank.

His first major step, however, will be to appoint a new defence coach.

The South African, who left his role as the Springboks forwards coach 11 days ago to take up a first post as a head coach, watched assistants Felix Jones and Jerry Flannery take charge last week as he began adjusting to a new life in Limerick. They steered Munster to a bonus-point Guinness PRO14 victory at Zebre last Sunday, but van Graan, 37, has hit the ground running since the return from Italy.