Two days on from their heroics at Wasps, Munster have been rocked by the news that head coach Johann van Graan is leaving at the end of the season.
The news means that the province is losing both the head coach and senior coach Stephen Larkham next summer.
While Larkham's departure was revealed several weeks ago, with a return to the Brumbies his destination next year, van Graan was linked with Premiership club Bath last week.
The development is a massive blow to the Reds ahead of their home Champions Cup clash with Castres at Thomond Park on Saturday.
The South African, who took charge of Munster in November 2017 following the departure of Rassie Erasmus, is out of contract at the end of the season but has turned down a two-year contract extension.
According to a Munster statement, van Graan's decision not to accept the new deal was made "after much consideration" and he will leave in June.
On his watch, Munster have reached two Champions Cup semi-finals, three league semi-finals, and a PRO14 final earlier this year.
Van Graan said: “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.”
Munster Rugby CEO Ian Flanagan commented: “We will be disappointed to see Johann go at the end of the season, he will be widely missed after forming such close relationships across the organisation.
“Johann has been a valued addition to the province and integral to all the successes we have achieved over the past four years.
“His hands-on approach and tireless work ethic have ensured the structures are well in place for continued success and we know he will continue to deliver on all fronts for the remainder of the season.
“For now, we are working closely with the IRFU in looking to identify suitable replacements with the confirmed departures of both Johann and Steve (Stephen Larkham) next summer.”
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