HEAD coach Graham Rowntree has left Munster after the Irish province’s disappointing start to the United Rugby Championship.

The former England and Leicester prop was under contract until 2026 but has made an early exit after three defeats in a row.

Rowntree, who was in the mix for the top job at the Dragons before Dean Ryan was appointed in 2019, joined Munster as forwards coach that year and then replaced Johann van Graan as head coach two years ago.

He led them to the URC title in his first season – their first trophy in 12 years – and they topped the table in 2023/24 before losing to Glasgow in the play-off semi-finals.

Rowntree has gone with immediate effect with head of rugby operations Ian Costello taking over as interim head coach while the hunt for a new boss starts.

Munster CEO Ian Flanagan, said: “We would like to thank Graham for his passion and dedication to Munster Rugby over the past five years, and I would like to wish him and his family the very best for the future on behalf of Munster Rugby.

“With the All Blacks XV coming to a sold-out Thomond Park this weekend and a number of big games on the horizon in November and December, our focus will be on continuing to support the coaches and the players for the season ahead.”

Graham Rowntree said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here in Munster working with a very talented group of players and coaches.

“I would like to thank the wider Munster family for all the support they have shown me in my time here but now is the right stage for my family and I to look forward to a new chapter.”

The Dragons host Munster at Rodney Parade in January.