Graham Rowntree appointed Head Coach of Urayasu D-Rocks
Former Munster boss Graham Rowntree named head coach of Japanese side Urayasu D-Rocks.
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Graham Rowntree, former Munster boss, has been named the new head coach of Japan's Urayasu D-Rocks, officials confirmed today.
The move marks his first role in Japanese rugby.
Rowntree, 54, replaces Greig Laidlaw, who previously held the position.
Following his exit from Munster in October—where he served first as assistant coach from 2019 and then head coach from 2022—Rowntree led the Irish province to a United Rugby Championship title in his debut season as head coach.
His appointment comes after speculation linking him with other coaching roles, including a job at Leicester Tigers.
The Urayasu D-Rocks have been undergoing a strategic overhaul designed to grow the club’s competitiveness. Last season the D-Rocks finished at the bottom of Japan Rugby League One’s Division 1 but secured their place in the top flight by winning a promotion and relegation playoff.
Rowntree welcomed the new challenge, saying, “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead such an ambitious and proud club.
"The Japan league is becoming more competitive each year, and I look forward to building a team that can evolve and compete at the highest level.”
