Munster head coach Graham Rowntree has left his position by mutual agreement.
The Englishman leaves the role just six games into the new season, having taken over in 2022.
Munster have only won two of their URC matches in the new campaign and have lost the last three in a row.
Ian Costello, a man with strong Kerry connections, has taken interim charge of the team as the recruitment process for a permanent head coach gets underway.
Mike Prendergast, Felix Jones and Ronan O'Gara are among the names being linked with vacancy.
Munster statement:
Munster Rugby and the IRFU today confirm the departure of Graham Rowntree as Head Coach by mutual agreement.
After joining the club in 2019, Rowntree spent three years as Forwards Coach before being appointed Head Coach ahead of the 2022/23 season.
In his first season as Head Coach, Rowntree led Munster to the URC title, the club’s first trophy in 12 years, before overseeing a top of the table finish in last season’s URC campaign.
Munster Rugby CEO, Ian Flanagan, said: “We would like to thank Graham for his passion and dedication to Munster Rugby over the past five years, and I would like to wish him and his family the very best for the future on behalf of Munster Rugby.”
The change to the senior men’s coaching team is with immediate effect, with Head of Rugby Operations Ian Costello taking over as Interim Head Coach. The recruitment process for a permanent Head Coach will get underway immediately.
Flanagan continued: “With the All Blacks XV coming to a sold-out Thomond Park this weekend and a number of big games on the horizon in November and December, our focus will be on continuing to support the coaches and the players for the season ahead.”
Graham Rowntree said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here in Munster working with a very talented group of players and coaches.
“I would like to thank the wider Munster family for all the support they have shown me in my time here but now is the right stage for my family and I to look forward to a new chapter.”
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Connacht captain Cian Prendergast has signed a new three-year contract with the province.
The 24-year-old arrived in Galway in 2020 and has made three appearances for Ireland at international level.
Prendergast's new deal will see him remain at Connacht until at least 2028.
