Dave Kilcoyne admits Munster players deflated by emotional Van Graan departure news

Munster coach Johann van Graan during the Heineken Champions Cup pool four match at Thomond Park, Limerick.

Dave Kilcoyne admitted Munster’s players were deflated and a bit down when Johann van Graan made his emotional announcement that he would be leaving the province at the end of the season but the Bath-bound head coach would depart with their respect.

The players had been called by the South African to a meeting on Tuesday at the High Performance Centre in Limerick at which he told them of his decision to exit after five seasons at the helm having succeeded Rassie Erasmus in November 2017.