Munster enters the new BKT United Rugby Championship season looking for stability under head coach Clayton McMillan following a 2025/26 campaign defined by on-field volatility and off-field structural changes. According to team reports, the province finished fifth in the league table last year but suffered heavy defeats in the final third of the season, including a 45-14 quarter-final loss to the Bulls and a 45-0 reversal against the Sharks.
Roster Overhaul and Key Signings for Thomond Park
Munster has reshaped its squad following several high-profile retirements and departures ahead of the upcoming fixtures. South African hooker Marnus van der Merwe joins from Scarlets to bolster the front row, filling a gap left by the retirement of Niall Scannell. Additional front-row changes see tightheads John Ryan and Oli Jager depart—with Jager retiring due to concussion—prompting the recruitment of Jack Aungier from Connacht and veteran English prop Kieran Brookes. In the backs, Australian out-half Will Harrison arrives to supplement squad depth, though a knee injury delays his debut. Meanwhile, second-row enforcer Jean Kleyn has moved to Gloucester, leaving a significant vacancy in the pack.
Coaching Staff Changes and Tactical Shifts
The backroom team has undergone a significant shake-up following a difficult attacking season. Forwards coach Alex Codling departed for Toulon after a single full season, with Jimmy Duffy arriving from Ulster as his replacement. Jared Payne joins the staff alongside Mossy Lawler to direct the backs and attack, addressing an area that struggled for consistency throughout the previous year. According to club assessments, McMillan’s primary objective remains bridging the gap between the team’s ceiling and floor performance levels.
Did You Know? New signing Marnus van der Merwe earned three caps for the Springboks in 2025 before making the move to Thomond Park for the upcoming domestic campaign.
Players to Watch: Marnus van der Merwe and Evan O’Connell
With star international out-half Jack Crowley sidelined until close to the new year due to injury, Munster will rely heavily on squad depth during the opening months. Van der Merwe brings the physical gainline momentum and scrum stability the province has lacked, while young lock Evan O’Connell aims to establish a regular starting role. The 22-year-old, nephew of former Munster captain Paul O’Connell, has featured in Ireland A squads and stands to benefit from Jean Kleyn’s departure and Tadhg Beirne’s potential World Cup rest protocols.
Treacherous Opening Fixture Block
Munster faces a demanding start to the URC season, with their first six matches leading into the international break featuring Glasgow Warriors at home, the Bulls at home, and Ulster away, alongside testing Champions Cup fixtures against Racing 92, Bristol Bears, Bordeaux-Begles, and Gloucester. According to club evaluations, navigating this opening stretch without sustaining heavy losses will determine whether McMillan’s side can avoid late-season playoff pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Munster’s new head coach?
Clayton McMillan is heading into his second season as Munster head coach.
Which notable players left Munster in the off-season?
Jean Kleyn moved to Gloucester, and Thaakir Abrahams transferred to the Bulls, alongside retirements from Niall Scannell, John Ryan, and Oli Jager.
What are Munster’s opening URC fixtures?
Munster opens the season against Glasgow Warriors at home, followed by the Bulls at home and an away fixture against Ulster.
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