Stephen Larkham to leave Munster at end of 2021/22 season

Munster have announced that attack coach Stephen Larkham will be leaving the club at the end of the ongoing 2021/22 season.

A former Australia international, Larkham joined the club ahead of the 2019/20 season as a senior coach on a three-year contract. Even though he was offered a contract extension, the 47-year-old turned down the offer citing personal reasons.

“I only recently spoke about my desire to remain with Munster and continue working with my fellow coaches and playing group," he told in a statement released by the club.

“That hopefully gives some indication as to how difficult a decision this has been for me. The staff, players, fans, and facilities are world class here and I am grateful to have had this opportunity.

“My family made a number of sacrifices in joining me on this move to Ireland and my girls’ adjustment over here, particularly with covid, has been difficult. I have to put them first now, and with a coaching opportunity closer to home this is the right thing for my family at this time.

“For now, my focus is very much with Munster Rugby and with a long season ahead I will savour every moment of working within this great environment as we continue to build in the right direction.”

Larkham also worked with Brumbies as head coach between 2014 and 2017 while also working as an attack coach of Australia between 2015 and 2019.

Munster are positioned third in the United Rugby Championship table after managing four wins from five games.