Donal Lenihan: Rowntree decision a surprise but Munster had passed point of no return

The province must take their time in selecting the next man - one of several steps needed to return the province to rugby's top tier. 

END OF THE ROAD: Graham Rowntree, who has departed his role as Munster head coach. Pic: Shaun Roy/Sportsfile

“We’re happy out” said James Ryan when interviewed in the immediate aftermath of Leinster's fifth consecutive bonus-point win in the URC after five rounds of action, against Connacht in Galway a few weeks ago. 

No wonder Ryan posed a picture of contentment.