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Johann van Graan's move to Bath 'as good as done' - report

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Johann van Graan. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)
Johann van Graan. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)

It appears a done deal that South African coach Johann van Graan will join English club Bath.

It was confirmed on Tuesday that Van Graan will leave Irish outfit Munster at the end of the 2021/22 season.

The former Springbok assistant coach was offered a two-year contract extension at Munster but he opted against taking it.

Recent reports have linked him with a move to Bath, and according to the SomersetLIVE website, Van Graan will start his new role at the Recreation Ground after June 2022.

"Somerset Live understands reports that Bath have made an approach for the South African are accurate and our sources in South Africa suggest a deal to bring him to The Rec is as good as done with the final details being wrinkled out," the website wrote on Tuesday.

The report added that it was unclear what Van Graan's arrival would mean for the current Bath coaching staff of Stuart Hooper (director of rugby) and Neal Hatley (head coach).

Bath are currently bottom of the Premiership Rugby standings with nine consecutive defeats.

Van Graan explained his decision to leave Munster in a statement: "While I was at advanced stages in the contract process earlier this year, I took a step back and reconsidered my options, prioritising what's best for my family, myself, and Munster Rugby.

"My family and I settled well into life here, this is our home, and in an ideal world we would love to continue living in Limerick, but I've been looking at the bigger picture.

"After arriving during the 2017/18 season, I am now into my fifth season with this group and in putting Munster first I believe it's the right decision for me to call time on my contribution and step away at the end of this season.

"While we have achieved so much together, and still have over six months of the season remaining, I wanted any uncertainty about my future addressed as early as possible.

"Working with this coaching team, staff, and players we are always striving to do our best for Munster Rugby, and nothing will change on that front.

"It has been an incredible journey and I'm hugely proud of this group for everything we have done to-date knowing there is so much more to come as we move towards the business end of the season."

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