Advertisement
Ferreira (left) had been part of the Lions' set-up for the last decade. Emirates Lions/Twitter
ministry of defence

Munster appoint South African JP Ferreira as the province's new defence coach

The 34-year-old arrives from the Golden Lions and replaces the recently-departed Jacques Nienaber.

MUNSTER HAVE TODAY announced the appointment of JP Ferreira as the province’s new defence coach after the South African signed a contract with the IRFU until June 2020.

The 34-year-old, who previously worked alongside Johann van Graan as part of the Springboks set-up during the 2016 November internationals, leaves Super Rugby side the Golden Lions where he held the role of defence coach and performance analyst for the last 10 years.

Ferreira replaces Jacques Nienaber following his return to South Africa with former Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus.

He is expected to commence working with van Graan and the rest of the province’s coaching ticket from next week ahead of the busy Christmas period, which includes Pro14 inter-pros against Leinster, Ulster and Connacht.

“We are delighted that JP is joining our coaching team,” van Graan said. “He is a great coach that has been very successful at Super Rugby level, getting his side to finals with an excellent defence record. He also has Test match experience from his time working with the Springboks during the November internationals last year so brings a great amount of knowledge and experience with him.

“I believe JP will fit in perfectly here at Munster and we look forward to his arrival.”

Ferreira, whose contract with the Lions was due to expire in October 2018 but was granted an early release following negotiations with Munster over the last few weeks, said:

“It is really hard to say goodbye to this amazing Lions family. I have been fortunate and blessed to have been with the Lions for ten years and have been part of ten Currie Cup and Super Rugby Competitions. There have been extreme highs and lows in these ten years of service, but nothing that I would ever regret. It has been an amazing time.

“I feel that it is now time for me to improve, grow and experience a new culture, team, environment and competitions. I want to thank every single coach, player and support staff that invested in my life at the Lions Rugby Company in these ten years. I cannot thank you enough.

“I’m really excited and am looking forward to this next challenge and chapter in my and my family’s lives.”

Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell has been working with the Munster squad again this week ahead of Sunday’s Champions Cup clash with Leicester Tigers at Welford Road, but Ferreira’s appointment now completes the province’s new coaching team.

The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):

Contract boost for Connacht as Ireland international Marmion signs new two-year deal

Van Graan defends Conway as Munster focus on improving discipline for Tigers rematch

Your Voice
Readers Comments
28
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel