Bold Japan Rugby League One outfit Urayasu D-Rocks have confirmed the appointment of former Munster boss Graham Rowntree as their new head coach, changing Greig Laidlaw.
RugbyPass exclusively revealed on Monday that former England and Lions prop Rowntree, who has been searching for one other job after leaving Munster final October, was set to maneuver to Japan to take over D-Rocks.
Former Scotland worldwide Laidlaw, who was solely in control of D-Rocks for a season after Johan Ackermann stepped apart after main them to promotion in 2024, has been appointed as their ‘Government Membership Ambassador.’
Warren Gatland, who stood down as Wales boss earlier within the 12 months, had been closely linked to the job, however it proved to be a purple herring.
And ex-loosehead Rowntree, who was an early title linked with a return to his former membership, Leicester Tigers, earlier than they appointed Geoff Parling, will take management of D-Rocks from subsequent season.
D Rock’s proficient squad, which incorporates Jasper Wiese, Samu Kerevi, and Israel Folau, have signed locks Manaaki Selby-Rickit from the Chiefs and Crusaders ace Quinten Strange to bolster their ranks.
D-Rocks, based mostly in Urayasu Metropolis, Chiba, are owned by telecom big NTT, Inc., they usually intention to see the membership difficult for the championship by 2028. Rowntree has accepted the problem of turning them right into a pressure.
“I’m very honoured to have the chance to guide such an formidable and proud membership. Japanese leagues have gotten increasingly aggressive yearly,” stated Rowntree, who led Munster to the United Championship title in his first season in cost in 2023.
“We sit up for constructing an atmosphere that may change and adapt in order that we are able to turn into extra aggressive.”
