Japan Rugby League One's Urayasu D-Rocks filled a head coaching vacancy on Tuesday, August 26, naming Graham Rowntree the team's new boss.
Rowntree, 54, previously served as Irish club Munster Rugby's head coach from 2022-24.
On Monday, the D-Rocks announced that Greig Laidlaw would not return for a second season as head coach. Instead, the former Scotland captain will become Urayasu's executive club ambassador.
The D-Rocks had the worst record (3-15) among the 12 teams in League One's first division during the 2024-25 season. But they avoided relegation to the second division, edging Toyota Industries Corporation Shuttles Aichi in the two-match promotion/relegation playoff in May.
Laidlaw's imminent departure as head coach was widely reported over the past few weeks. The 39-year-old wrapped up his playing career with Urayasu, retiring in 2023 and remaining with the squad as an assistant coach. He was promoted to head coach before the 2023-24 campaign.
A New Rugby Coaching Opportunity for Rowntree
Moving forward, the D-Rocks believe Rowntree's coaching acumen and leadership skills mesh with their vision to rebuild the team.
In a news release on the team's website, Rowntree's hiring was described as "part of a strategic reorganization aimed at furthering the club's growth and realizing its mid-to-long-term vision."
The coaching announcement went on: "Mr Rowntree possesses extensive experience in European rugby and has earned high acclaim, particularly for his player development and team-building skills."
Rowntree guided Munster to the United Rugby Championship title during the 2022-23 season. The next season, he was named the URC's Coach of the Year for the international competition featuring 16 teams from Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africa and Wales.
"I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead such an ambitious and proud club," Rowntree said in a statement. "The Japan league every year is becoming more and more competitive. I look forward to driving an environment where we can change and adapt to be more competitive."
During his career as a rugby player, Rowntree competed for England's Leicester Tigers (1990-2007). He represented the England national team from 1995-06, appearing in 54 matches, and also suited up for the British & Irish Lions in 1997 and 2005.
A Look Ahead
The D-Rocks open their 2025-26 Japan Rugby League One season on December 13 against the Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars.
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Author: Ed Odeven
Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.
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