Already in the market for a new head coach, Munster Rugby have confirmed that they are on the look out for a new forwards coach too as Andi Kyriacou has decided to leave the post to return to his family in England.

Kyriacou, a former Munster player, joined the province as an elite player development officer with the academy in April 2021.

He was promoted to forwards coach ahead of the 2022/23 season under Graham Rowntree - and was part of the backroom set-up that helped secure silverware for the first time in 12 years in the form of the URC title.

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The 41-year-old also helped Munster finish last season on top of the URC table before their disappointing home semi-final loss to eventual champions Glasgow.

Former Newcastle head coach and current Ireland Women forwards coach Alex Codling has been linked with the role, while current backs coach Mike Prendergast is the favourite to land the head coach position.

“I would like to thank the players, management, and fans for the warm welcome throughout both my times at Munster," said Kyriacou. “However, I have lived apart from my young family for several years now and we felt it timely to continue our rugby journey back in the UK.

“It has not been an easy decision as Munster is a club very close to my heart and, above all, it’s been a pleasure to be able to coach a group of such impressive young players and men.

“I’m particularly proud of winning the URC in the 22/23 season, topping the league last year and for all the young players I have helped develop. I wish Munster every success in the future.”

Munster Rugby CEO Ian Flanagan said: “We would like to thank Andi for all his hard work over the last number of years in both his role as an elite player development officer and as forwards coach for the senior men’s team. I would like to wish Andi and his family the very best for the future on behalf of Munster Rugby.”

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