Ex-England and Lions coach pips Warren Gatland to land job at Japan Rugby League One outfit

Former England international prop Graham Rowntree has been appointed as the new head coach at Japan Rugby League One club Urayasu D-Rocks.

The 54-year-old’s appointment comes as a surprise after it was revealed earlier this month that former Wales and British and Irish Lions boss Warren Gatland was set to land the job.

However, the Japanese outfit have opted for Rowntree, who was Gatland‘s assistant with the Lions as a scrum and forwards coach during their tours to South Africa, Australia and New Zealand in 2009, 2013 and 2017 respectively.

Rowntree, who represented England and the Lions at Test level, also served as the Red Rose’s forwards coach from 2007 to 2015.

Guided Munster to United Rugby Championship success

Prior to his appointment with Urayasu D-Rocks, Rowntree was Munster’s head coach from 2022 to 2024 – after initially serving as the Irish province’s forwards coach from 2019 to 2022 – and he guided them to the United Rugby Championship title in 2023.

The D-Rocks, who are based in Chiba, are delighted to secure a coach of Rowntree’s calibre.

“Urayasu D-Rocks has decided to welcome Graham Rowntree as its new head coach as part of a strategic reorganisation aimed at further growth and realising the club’s mid to long-term vision,” the club said via press statement.

“Rowntree has an extensive track record in European rugby, and is particularly highly regarded for his expertise in player development and team building.

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“In the 2022-23 season, he led Ireland’s prestigious Munster to victory in the United Rugby Championship (URC), bringing the club its first title in 12 years.

“The following season, the team finished first in the regular season and (he) was named URC Coach of the Year.

‘Responsible for strengthening the club’s competitive capabilities’

“Rowntree will be responsible for strengthening the club’s competitive capabilities while further deepening Urayasu D-Rocks’ philosophy of being a ‘development-oriented club’.”

Under the guidance of their former head coach, ex-Scotland scrum-half Greig Laidlaw, the D-Rocks narrowly beat division two side the Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi to avoid relegation from Japan Rugby League One after winning just three of their 18 regular season matches.

It was Laidlaw’s only season in charge of the team, after replacing former Springboks lock Johan Ackermann, who took on an advisory role.

However, Rowntree is now set to take charge of the D-Rocks and he is looking forward to the challenge.

“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead such an ambitious and proud club,” he said. “The Japan league is becoming more and more competitive every year.

“I look forward to driving an environment where we can change and adapt to be more competitive.”

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