The concept of ‘third season syndrome’ suggests that perseverance leads to success in sports, yet not all sporting institutions embody this characteristic. The passage of time tends to benefit head coaches, with many seeing a marked improvement by their third season.
This pattern was observed when Connacht clinched their initial Pro12 title in 2016, which coincided with Pat Lam’s third year managing the team. Similarly, the Scarlets experienced their best run in the Pro14 championship under the guidance of Wayne Pivac in his third term. 2018 saw Leinster’s triumph after three barren seasons, thanks to Leo Cullen, who was in his third stint as coach.
Although Ugo Mola, a ten-season veteran mirroring a Guy Novès-like reign, required a fourth season at the helm in 2018-19 to secure Toulouse’s first French Championship in seven years.
Following Johann van Graan’s departure, Graham Rowntree took the reins in Munster, recruiting Mike Prendergast and Denis Leamy. Understandably, Munster encountered a few initial stumbling blocks. However, their surprising United Rugby Championship victory after placing fifth in the 18-match regular season, thanks to away game successes against Glasgow, Leinster, and Stormers, it could be argued they were ahead of time.
Despite finishing at the top in the regular season with 68 points, as opposed to the previous season’s 55, Munster fell short at the elimination phase, losing to Glasgow in a home game last June.
Now entering his third term, Rowntree appears well-settled and more at ease. When questioned about his experience being enjoyable or stressful, he candidly admits it’s a mix of both. He sheds light on the unique pressure coming from the high expectations. He reminisces of a time two years past when his competence was frequently questioned.
Despite assuming his inaugural head coach position following 14 years as a subordinate, he admittedly did not put forward that query himself. However, there was a fair amount of curiosity surrounding the matter. Currently, there’s an anticipation around him and his new role, one that is being effectively managed thanks to the excellent group of people at his side, including an exceptional coaching staff.
In his day-to-day, he must navigate a plethora of considerations, from player availability to injuries, media interactions and henceforth. These aspects are easier to handle with age and experience, something he has come to value in this profession – a role he admits he’d have been ill-prepared for just four short years ago. Age brings a certain context and perspective, which proves vital in this field.
Munster, his team, is popular among gossips, attracting more than their fair share of hearsay. This was something he hadn’t anticipated but has grown to manage this part of the job well, even if it proves time-consuming.
Rowntree acknowledges the similarity to Leicester Tigers, where he’s spent his entire 18-year career. He cherishes this familiar aspect, despite the elevated expectations and pressure associated with it. He values the good company he keeps in his workspace.
As he embarks on his sixth season with Munster, Rowntree acknowledges the improved quality of the URC. It has become an unpredictable league, where any team can triumph on their day. The inclusion of South African teams further enhances this dynamic.
He believes there has been a marked increase in league quality, evident in unpredictable performances and road victories. He goes on to describe the intense competition experienced on the field as war, expressing sympathy for the referees tasked with overseeing it. Maintaining a keen oversight of all these elements becomes a juggling act in his role.
When questioned about his goals for the upcoming season, his response is straightforward: “Defeat Connacht”. He elaborates, hinting at the charged rivalry and history between the teams, and duly notes an increase in Connacht’s intensity, especially in terms of their physical prowess around the ruck.
Simultaneously, he admits that Munster has fallen short in recent years, with repeated Round of 16 exits in the celebrated Champions Cup.
On being queried if the focus would be on Europe, his answer is inclusive: “Each game is a target.” He acknowledges the club’s significant relation with Europe, expressing a desire for a deeper progression. Yet, he emphasizes, “Firstly, conquer Connacht, ensure the team remains in good shape, concentrate on training efficiently and incorporate fresh, young talent as extensively as possible.”