Munster set to appoint forwards coach consultant as Andi Kyriacou departs

Kyriacou follows former head coach Graham Rowntree out the door.

Fri, 22 Nov, 2024 - 15:38

Simon Lewis

Munster Rugby has confirmed the departure of forwards coach Andi Kyriacou, less than a month after head coach Graham Rowntree left the province by mutual consent.

With head of rugby operations Ian Costello acting as interim head coach, Munster are believed to be set to appoint a forwards coach consultant while the search for Kyriacou's permanent replacement gets underway in tandem with attempts to secure a new head coach.

Ireland women's assistant coach Alex Codling, a popular addition to Scott Bemand's staff in the past 12 months, could be in line for the consultancy role but it is understood that no head coach appointment is imminent.

Munster will resume their stuttering URC campaign on Saturday, November 30 against the Lions at Thomond Park with Costello at the helm but without Kyriacou, who on Friday said his decision to depart was to rejoin his family living in England.

Kyriacou, who played hooker for Munster in 2006-07, had returned as an Elite Player Development Officer with the Academy in April 2021.

He was promoted to forwards coach ahead of the 2022/23 season under new head coach Rowntree, who had been his predecessor, in an all-new coaching ticket alongside Mike Prendergast and Denis Leamy, the group steering their squad to the URC title in their first campaign.

“We would like to thank Andi for all his hard work over the last number of years in both his role as an Elite Player Development Officer and as forwards coach for the senior men’s team," Munster Rugby chief executive Ian Flanagan said.

“I would like to wish Andi and his family the very best for the future on behalf of Munster Rugby.” Kyriacou said: “I would like to thank the players, management, and fans for the warm welcome throughout both my times at Munster.

“However, I have lived apart from my young family for several years now and we felt it timely to continue our rugby journey back in the UK.

“It has not been an easy decision as Munster is a club very close to my heart and, above all, it’s been a pleasure to be able to coach a group of such impressive young players and men.

“I’m particularly proud of winning the URC in the 22/23 season, topping the league last year and for all the young players I have helped develop. I wish Munster every success in the future.”