Edogbo signs two-year extension with Munsterpublished at 22:58 BST 15 October
22:58 BST 15 October
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Edogbo made his Munster debut in 2022
Ireland international Edwin Edogbo has signed a two-year extension with Munster to keep him at the province until at least 2029.
After becoming the first player from Cobh to earn a place at the Munster academy, Edogbo made his full debut in 2022 away to Dragons.
He would make eight appearances in a season in which the province claimed the United Rugby Championship title.
The 23-year-old second row has gone on to score seven tries in 31 appearances and his performances earned him a call-up to Andy Farrell's Six Nations squad last year, making his international debut in the win over Italy.
"Edwin is a talented young player with a physical profile that is highly sought after in the modern game," said Munster head coach Clayton McMillan.
"He has the size, athleticism and work ethic to make a significant impact at the highest level.
"We're grateful that Edwin has chosen to commit his future to Munster. He has worked hard through some challenging setbacks and is an important part of what we are building here.
"We look forward to seeing him continue to develop and fulfil his potential in the years ahead."
Munster's general manager Ian Costello expressed his delight Edogbo has decided to stay with Munster "despite significant interest from clubs across Europe".
"He is part of an exciting group of emerging home-grown players that are pivotal to the future success of the club," Costello continued.
"Edwin possesses unique qualities, and has the potential to excel at the highest level.
"We look forward to supporting his continued development and seeing him fulfil that potential in both a Munster and an Irish shirt."
Seven Ulster changes as Beirne makes Munster returnpublished at 14:56 BST 8 October
14:56 BST 8 October
Matt Gault BBC Sport NI senior journalist
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Stuart McCloskey starts at centre for Ulster while Tadhg Beirne returns to the Munster pack
Ulster head coach Richie Murphy has made seven changes for Saturday's United Rugby Championship game against Munster, with returning Ireland internationals Stuart McCloskey and Nick Timoney included in the starting line-up.
McCloskey, who started all three of Ireland's Nations Championship matches in July, returns at inside centre for the Affidea Stadium contest (17:30 BST), forming a new midfield partnership with summer signing Jamie Benson.
It will be 34-year-old McCloskey's 218th Ulster appearance, moving him alongside former captain Rory Best in joint-third on the province's all-time cap list.
Timoney returns to the back row alongside Ireland team-mate Cormac Izuchukwu, who shifts back from the second row, and Juarno Augustus, while recent recruits Ben Donnell and Eli Snyman form a new second row.
The front row of Eric O'Sullivan, captain Tom Stewart and Keynan Knox is unchanged.
Nathan Doak makes his first start of the season at scrum-half, with Jack Murphy retained at 10 following a try-scoring display in last week's 33-33 draw with Glasgow.
Jacob Stockdale will make his 150th appearance on the left wing a week later than planned after being forced to withdraw from the Glasgow game through injury. Zac Ward, who started in the 11 jersey last week, is not involved.
Robert Baloucoune returns on the right wing after missing the trip to Scotstoun because of concussion, while Ethan McIlroy is retained at full-back.
Henry Walker, returning Ireland international Tom O'Toole, Tom McAllister, James McNabney and David McCann provide forward cover on the bench, while Matthew Devine, Jake Flannery and Chay Mullins are the backline replacements.
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Young fly-half Charlie O'Shea (left) is on the Munster bench while back row Gavin Coombes returns to the starting XV
Munster, who earned an impressive bonus-point win over the Bulls last weekend, are boosted by captain Tadhg Beirne's return from injury.
Having missed the end of last season through injury before featuring for Ireland over the summer, British and Irish Lions second row Beirne returns as one of nine changes made by head coach Clayton McMillan.
Props Jeremy Loughman and Kieran Brookes return to join Marnus van der Merwe in the front row, while Jack O'Donoghue, Alex Kendellen and Gavin Coombes form an entirely changed back row.
Ben O'Connor and Alex Nankivell return at full-back and outside centre respectively, while JJ Hanrahan is reinstalled at fly-half.
Charlie O'Shea, 20, is named among the replacements after starring on his first against the Bulls last week.
"JJ Hanrahan was excellent against Glasgow in round one and I was really impressed with how he managed the end game against Bulls last week," said McMillan.
"It has been a whirlwind for Charlie O'Shea, it's hard to believe that it's less than two months since he pitched up with us. He hasn't missed a beat and gets another opportunity this weekend as a replacement."
Munster ran out resounding 41-14 winners when the provinces last met at Thomond Park in April, while Ulster won 28-3 in the last meeting in Belfast on New Year's Day.
Munster appoint ex-Hurricanes chief Lee as interim CEOpublished at 12:06 BST 7 October
12:06 BST 7 October
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Lee spent 10 years as Hurricanes chief executive
Munster have appointed former Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee as interim chief executive following news of Ian Flanagan's imminent departure.
Flanagan last week confirmed he will step down at the end of October after seven years in the role following a turbulent period for the province, with Munster saying Lee will take up the position "towards the end" of this month.
New Zealander Lee served as Hurricanes chief executive for 10 years before stepping down last year. During his tenure, the Wellington-based club won the 2016 Super Rugby title.
"I am honoured to be appointed interim CEO of Munster Rugby. This is a province with a proud history, passionate supporters and a strong reputation within the game," said Lee, who previously played club rugby with Clontarf in Dublin.
"While my professional career has taken me around the world, Ireland has been an important part of my own rugby journey. I spent nearly a decade living here, including playing club rugby, and I developed a deep appreciation for the game's place in Irish communities and the unique connection between rugby clubs and their supporters.
"There are important challenges ahead but I firmly believe there is also tremendous opportunity. I am excited to work alongside our players, coaches, staff, volunteers, partners and supporters as we build on Munster Rugby's strengths and shape a successful future.
"My message to everyone connected with the province is simple: we are stronger when we stand together. If we unite behind a shared ambition and a commitment to excellence, I am confident Munster Rugby can achieve great things in the years ahead."
Munster chair Ger Malone said Lee impressed the board during the interview process with "both the breadth of his rugby experience and his clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing professional sports organisations today".
"He brings strong leadership credentials, significant rugby expertise and a collaborative approach that we believe will be hugely valuable to Munster Rugby," added Malone.
"The Board has every confidence that he will provide strong stewardship of the province and we look forward to working closely with him in the months ahead."
Ulster 'need to put together 80 minutes' - Timoneypublished at 10:27 BST 7 October
10:27 BST 7 October
Richard Petrie BBC Sport NI Journalist
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Ireland back row Timoney has yet to play for Ulster this season
Nick Timoney says Ulster "need to put 80 minutes together" against Munster on Saturday to try and secure their first victory of the United Rugby Championship season.
The Irish province suffered an opening weekend defeat to Edinburgh in Belfast and then drew with Glasgow in a dramatic encounter at Scotstoun.
The Ireland back row sat out both games but is raring to go for this weekend's interprovincial meeting at the Affidea Stadium.
"Lots of glimpses of amazing rugby we have been playing, and lots of impressive performances, we just haven't probably put it together for 80 minutes just yet," Timoney said of Ulster's first two games of the new campaign.
"The Glasgow game was closer to that but we probably left a couple of chances out there to try and win the game. It felt like an improvement from the week before.
"We're striving to get better in a lot of areas and bits of that are coming through.
"It's just about putting it together for 80 minutes on the pitch and if we can do that we will be in a good place."
The Ulster forward added that the squad are keen to make up for the disappointment of last season when they finished outside the top eight in the URC and went down heavily to Montpellier in the Challenge Cup final.
"Last season tailed off a bit and didn't end the way we wanted it to and we just want to rectify that really and I want do the best I can for the team.
"It starts with being the best individual rugby player I can be."
Timoney knows the visiting Munster team will pose a significant challenge.
"There's an intensity to them [interpros] that's a little bit different. We know them a bit better and they know us a bit better than the other teams.
"When this place gets rocking, there is no better atmosphere and there is no better team than Munster to play in that context."
Dobie century as Warriors start season against Munsterpublished at 15:02 BST 24 September
15:02 BST 24 September
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Scotland wing Jamie Dobie will make his 100th Glasgow Warriors appearance as last season's table-toppers begin their URC campaign away to Munster on Saturday.
The 25-year-old is one of 13 players who toured with Scotland during the summer to be selected in the 23-man matchday squad.
Dobie described it as "a special, special moment for myself" in Limerick.
"Hopefully some of my family will be out there," he said. "It's wild to think that I'll be able to reach 100 games for such a great club.
"Really excited and hopefully as a team we can start the season positively and mark an occasion like that."
Hooker Gregor Hiddleston will make his 50th club appearance, while academy scrum-half Callum Reidy and summer signing Bayley Kuenzle, the former Western Force back, could make their debuts off the bench.
Stafford McDowall captains the team from inside centre, while Ally Miller, who was skipper in last weekend's pre-season defeat by Bath, starts on the blindside flank.
However, Scotland internationals Zander Fagerson, Kyle Steyn and Rory Sutherland are among 12 players unavailable through injury.
Head coach Franco Smith, whose side lost in last season's semi-final play-offs, described Thomond Park as "one of the toughest venues in the competition to start our campaign".
Glasgow Warriors: Josh McKay, Kyle Rowe, Ollie Smith, Stafford McDowall, Jamie Dobie; Dan Lancaster, George Horne; Patrick Schickerling, Gregor Hiddleston, Murphy Walker, Gregor Brown, Max Williamson, Ally Miller, Rory Darge, Matt Fagerson.
Replacements: Seb Stephen, Nathan McBeth, Sam Talakai, Scott Cummings, Angus Fraser, Macenzzie Duncan, Callum Reidy, Bayley Kuenzle.
Munster overcome Leinster to retain Interpro titlepublished at 19:27 BST 29 August
19:27 BST 29 August
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Beth Buttimer scored both of Munster's tries
Munster made it back-to-back Women's Interprovincial Championship titles with a 14-5 win over Leinster at Dexcom Stadium.
Following a handsome win in round one, the defending champions entered the game full of confidence, but were given a much tougher test this time around.
Leinster could have made a dream start when Sarah Delaney seemed set to touch down in the opening minute, but was held up over the line.
Munster were dealt an early blow when Enya Breen was sent to the sin bin for a deliberate knock-on but Leinster were unable to take advantage.
With numerical parity restored, Munster hit the front after 21 minutes as Beth Buttimer grabbed her second try of the championship as she squeezed over after a lengthy spell of possession and Caitriona Finn added the extras.
Two minutes before the break, Leinster found a response as from a maul, space opened up and Dannah O'Brien found Kathy Baker for an unconverted try.
Leinster pressed for the go-ahead score early in the second period but couldn't breach the Munster defence, with Erin King then held up when close to touching down.
They couldn't make their opportunities count and with 10 minutes remaining, Munster put daylight between the sides.
From a penalty to the corner, Munster set up the maul and Buttimer rumbled over for her second of the game with Enya Breen converting.
Siobhan McCarthy could have sealed it but was held up over the line, but there was no way back for Leinster as Munster retained their title.
Champions Cup and Challenge Cup fixture detailspublished at 16:03 BST 10 July
16:03 BST 10 July
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The 2026-27 Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup fixture details have been confirmed.
Munster will open their Champions Cup campaign at home to Racing 92 on 17 October, a day after the 10th anniversary of Anthony Foley's death.
The province said it is in talks with Cork GAA about hosting the fixture at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.
Munster will also travel to Bristol Bears and holders Bordeaux-Begles before welcoming Gloucester to Thomond Park.
Beaten 2026 finalists Leinster begin their latest bid for a fifth title away to Clermont on 17 October.
They will host Sale Sharks and Pau at yet-to-be confirmed home venues before travelling to Leicester Tigers.
Connacht host Saracens on 17 October and travel to Exeter Chiefs before hosting six-time champions Toulouse in Galway. Their final game is away to La Rochelle.
In the Challenge Cup, Ulster face away games against Bayonne and Dragons and away ties with Zebre and Perpignan, with Richie Murphy's side hoping to go one better after losing this year's final to Montpellier.
Champions Cup fixtures (times BST & GMT)
Munster
17 October - Munster v Racing 92, TBC, 20:00
12 December - Bristol Bears v Munster, Ashton Gate, 20:00
10 January - Bordeaux-Begles v Munster, Stade Chaban Delmas, 16:15
16 January - Munster v Gloucester, Thomond Park, 17:30
Leinster
17 October - Clermont Auvergne v Leinster, Stade Marcel-Michelin, 15:15
12 December - Leinster v Sale Sharks, TBC, 17:30
9 January - Leinster v Pau, TBC, 17:30
16 January - Leicester Tigers v Leinster, Welford Road, 20:00
Connacht
17 October - Connacht v Saracens, Dexcom Stadium, 17:30
13 December - Exeter Chiefs v Connacht, Sandy Park, 13:00
9 January - Connacht v Toulouse, Dexcom Stadium, 20:00
16 January - La Rochelle v Connacht, Stade Marcel Deflandre, 17:30
Challenge Cup fixtures
Ulster
17 October - Zebre v Ulster, Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, 15:15
12 December - Ulster v Bayonne, Affidea Stadium, 13:00
10 January - Perpignan v Ulster, Stade Aime Giral, 13:00
16 January - Ulster v Dragons, Affidea Stadium, 15:15
Irish provinces discover European pool stage opponentspublished at 14:22 BST 1 July
14:22 BST 1 July
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Image caption,
Ulster lost the 2025-26 European Challenge Cup final against Montpellier
Ulster will face Cheetahs, Perpignan, Dragons, Bayonnais and Zebre in pool one of the 2026-27 European Challenge Cup.
Richie Murphy's side lost this year's final against Montpellier and are back in the second-tier European competition after finishing ninth in the United Rugby Championship table.
They have been drawn against French opposition again in Top 14 sides Bayonnais and Perpignan, who finished 12th and 13th in the division.
The province will also come up against South African side Cheetahs, who they beat in the group stage last year, as well as familiar URC opposition in Italian side Zebre and Welsh team Dragons.
In the Champions Cup, this year's beaten finalists Leinster will be up against French sides Clermont Auvergne and Pau as well as English teams Leicester Tigers and Sale Sharks and fellow URC outfit Glasgow Warriors in Pool One.
Due to tournament rules, the URC champions will not play against Glasgow.
Connacht, who sneaked into the URC play-offs and qualified for the Champions Cup ahead of Ulster, have been handed a tough draw in Pool Two.
They will be up against Toulouse, Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle, Saracens, Exeter Chiefs and Lions, who they will not play.
Munster are in Pool Three and will take on back-to-back winners Bordeaux, Racing 92, English sides Bristol Bears and Gloucester and Stormers, who they won't face.
The pool stage of both the 2026-27 Champions Cup and Challenge Cup will see the introduction of try-scoring bonus points awarded only to teams who cross at least three more times than their opponents – rather than for simply scoring four or more tries.
There will also be a change in qualification criteria for the last-16 stage with only three teams from each of the four pools going through automatically, with the remaining four last-16 spots allocated on the basis of table points collected.
Champions Cup draw
Pool 1: Leinster, Glasgow, Pau, Sale, Leicester, Clermont
Pool 2: Toulouse, Lions, Saracens, La Rochelle, Exeter, Connacht
Pool 3: Bordeaux-Begles, Stormers, Racing 92, Munster, Bristol, Gloucester
Pool 4: Northampton, Bath, Cardiff, Montpellier, Stade Francais, Bulls
Challenge Cup draw
Pool 1: Cheetahs, Ulster, Perpignan, Dragons, Bayonne, Zebre
Pool 2: Treviso, Lyon, Newcastle, Sharks, Castres, Scarlets
Pool 3: Ospreys, Edinburgh, Black Lion, Harlequins, Toulon, Vannes
Munster prop Jager retires on medical groundspublished at 14:56 BST 20 June
14:56 BST 20 June
Andy Gray BBC Sport NI Journalist
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Image caption,
Munster prop Oli Jager won his sole Ireland cap in 2024
Munster prop Oli Jager has retired from rugby at the age of 30 on medical grounds.
Jager, who was born in London but grew up in Ireland, moved to New Zealand when he was 17 and won seven Super Rugby titles with Crusaders.
He signed for Munster in 2023 and became a vital member of the squad, and his sole Ireland cap came as a replacement in the Six Nations against Wales in 2024.
Jager said that sharing the news came with a "heavy heart" and having 10 years as a professional rugby player was "nothing short of a privilege".
"While this chapter comes to an end, I look back with immense pride and gratitude for the experiences, memories, and relationships the game has given me," he said.
"Who knows what the next chapter holds, but I'm excited to see what it has in store."
Clayton McMillan, Munster's head coach, said that Jager was a "hugely respected and popular member of our squad", who can "take great pride in everything he has achieved in the game".
"I have a lot of admiration for how he earned his stripes as a rugby player, taking a chance as a teenager and moving across the world to New Zealand.
"It's an amazing story really, how he earned a contract at one of the biggest club sides in the world at Crusaders and played such a key role in their success.
"He has made a big contribution to Munster Rugby as a player and a person, and is extremely highly-regarded by team-mates, staff and supporters alike."
Crowley could miss Ireland tour - McMillanpublished at 13:06 BST 12 June
13:06 BST 12 June
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Crowley has earned 35 Ireland caps and won the 2024 Six Nations
Jack Crowley has emerged as a doubt for Ireland's Nations Championship games next month after Munster head coach Clayton McMillan revealed the fly-half has been diagnosed with a blood vessel issue.
Crowley, who finished this year's Six Nations as Ireland's starting out-half, has not played for Munster since 18 April.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell names his squad for the Tests against Australia, Japan and New Zealand on Wednesday.
"Jack, I don't anticipate he'll be involved in the early part of the internationals," McMillan told the Irish Examiner, external.
"He's got a blood vessel issue in the back of his leg, which is good that something's been identified. He's got a plan around how to manage that but it literally is just a very obscure, unfortunate thing that was really hard to diagnose."
McMillan added: "He's got a diagnosis now, he has a plan around how to get it back, and I'm just not sure medically what the return to play protocols around that are.
"It's not like a concussion or a broken arm or leg, it's something that could literally solve itself overnight, or it might take a month or two. And that's not being cryptic, that's just the nature of what he's going through."
Crowley, 25, made his Ireland debut in 2022 and has earned 35 caps, playing every minute of the 2024 title-winning Six Nations campaign.
While Sam Prendergast started the first two games of this year's Six Nations, Crowley reclaimed the 10 jersey and steered Ireland to wins over England, Wales and Scotland to deliver the Triple Crown.
Ireland face Australia in Sydney on 4 July, Japan in New South Wales on 11 July and New Zealand in Auckland on 18 July.
Ex-Ireland centre Payne joins Munster as attack coachpublished at 16:13 BST 9 June
16:13 BST 9 June
Matt Gault BBC Sport NI senior journalist
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Image caption,
Payne recently left his role as Scarlets defence coach
Munster have appointed former Ireland international Jared Payne as the province's new attack coach on a two-year deal.
The 40-year-old, who spent four years as Ulster defence coach between 2018 and 2022 after a seven-year playing stint in Belfast, will combine attack and backline coaching responsibilities with Mossy Lawler, who has extended his Munster deal until 2028.
New Zealand-born Payne, who earned 20 Ireland caps between 2014 and 2017, also coached Clermont before a three-year spell with Scarlets that ended last month.
Payne said he was "incredibly grateful" for the opportunity to join Munster, whose 2025-26 season ended with a United Rugby Championship quarter-final loss to the Bulls on 30 May.
"Munster is a club with a proud history, strong values and a special connection with its supporters and community. As a family, we're excited to become part of that," he said.
"There is a huge amount of ambition across the club and I'm looking forward to working alongside the players and staff to help move the club forward.
"There is a lot to be excited about and I can't wait to get started."
Welcoming the move, Munster head coach Clayton McMillan said Payne has "developed an excellent reputation for empowering players and assisting them to fulfil their potential".
"I'm equally delighted that Mossy has extended his contract," added McMillan.
"The attack portfolio is vast, and I have always had the view that it is a two-person job.
"There is accountability to bring a higher level of detail to their respective areas of responsibility within our attack framework, and I believe that in Mossy and Jared, we have two innovative and detailed coaches who will work outstandingly well together."
Munster initially appointed Roger Randle as attack coach but the move was called off after his planned arrival was met by opposition in some quarters after a 1997 rape allegation resurfaced.
The alleged incident occurred in Durban, South Africa, during Randle's playing days with Super Rugby side Hurricanes - a charge that was dropped by the complainant and one he has always denied.
Forwards coach Duffy joins Munster after Ulster exitpublished at 16:08 BST 5 June
16:08 BST 5 June
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Duffy spent two years at Ulster as a forwards coach
Jimmy Duffy has joined Munster as a forwards coach on a two-year deal after leaving Ulster.
Duffy will replace Alex Codling, who moves to Toulon after one season at the province.
The Galway native joined Richie Murphy's coaching ticket in 2024 from Western Force and previously worked with Connacht for six years and the Ireland Under-20s.
"I'm thrilled to be joining Munster Rugby and I'm excited for the challenge ahead. There is a great deal of potential at the club and I'm looking forward to working with the players and staff over the coming seasons," Duffy said.
Head coach Clayton McMillan added: "Jimmy is an excellent addition to our coaching team. He has proven himself as a quality coach with teams across the United Rugby Championship, Super Rugby and the Ireland U20s.
"He comes with a glowing reputation for developing players and driving high standards and accountability. When we spoke, I was impressed with Jimmy's sense of purpose, his attention to detail and work ethic.
"I have no doubt he has the tools to drive us forward and look I forward to working alongside him next season."
Munster also confirmed that Sean Cronin, who coached Munster's scrum in the 2025-26 season, will return to this role as provincial talent coach on a full-time basis.
Image source, Getty Images
