Johann van Graan has hit back at suggestions he is not committed to Munster and dismissed ill-advised recommendations that he should step down from his position as head coach prematurely.
Van Graan is bound for Bath at the end of the season, but with the poor quality of rugby Munster are playing at the moment, many are calling for him to go sooner – the likes of Keith Wood, Peter Stringer and Jamie Heaslip among his public critics.
Speaking to media on Tuesday, Van Graan passionately denied that he is no longer committed to the province, saying he is fully focused on Munster for the remainder of the season.
“I absolutely want to be here,” he said, when asked about Stringer’s comments.
“I’ve committed until the 30th of June with this club. I’ve communicated that to all the right channels as I’ve stated in the middle of December.
“From my point of view, again I want to reiterate – I know you guys don’t know me well from a personal point of view – but my heart is certainly in this club. It’s always been in this club.
“I’ve been open with this group. I will continue to do so and I’ll continue to put every bit I have into this club until I leave here on the 30th of June.
“I understand that people are incredibly proud of this club and they want this club to perform and this club to win. The only thing that I will say is, I am the exact same. All the staff, all the players in this HPC are the exact same. We all want the best for Munster.
“The important thing from my side is I’ve got a job to do and that’s being the coach of this group of players and this team. I’m very privileged and proud to be that and will continue to do so.
“It’s very important to note that the fans of Munster have been incredibly good to my family and I.
“I think it’s important to note that we as a club are united. The people that work for Munster Rugby, we are all in this together and one of our core values is community and I believe that you should always see the best in people.
“I understand that some people are not happy with some of our performances and we as a group have taken responsibility, not because they think that way but because of our own standards.”
