No further comment 'out of respect for Graham' will be made on Rowntree's departure

"It's exactly as you read it, mutually agreed between Graham, the IRFU and Munster, and unfortunately we can't comment any further than that for the respect of process, privacy, etc."

BIG GAME AHEAD: Interim head coach Ian Costello is juggling Graham Rowntree's shock exit with game against New Zealand XV in his new role. Picture:©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

For Munster supporters seeking an explanation as to why they are without popular head coach Graham Rowntree for Saturday’s clash with the All Blacks XV, there was precious little clarity coming his interim successor Ian Costello on Thursday.

Munster’s first opportunity to provide some context to the events of two days earlier, when they announced that URC title-winner Rowntree had departed as head coach just six games into the new season, was frustratingly short on detail despite several opportunities to give an account of events.