The 2023 URC champions look set to find themselves in contention for a place in the play-offs.
Munster are used to challenging for league titles, but a continuation of their winning streak in 2023 is looking increasingly unlikely. A strong start gave way to a run of seven defeats in 12 last season and – with the club struggling against financial constraints – this could be a tricky year for the men in red.
Below, The world of rugby outlines Munster’s outlook for the new season. We’ll also be running guides for everything United Rugby Championship and Gallagher PREM sides in preparation for the big start on Friday, September 25.
Points of discussion in the Munster
After winning their first five games under new manager Clayton McMillan last season, Munster lost seven of their next 12. They reached the quarter-finals, only to be undone by the Bulls.
Fans will be hoping that 2025-26. was the worst it could be. Under financial pressure, Munster made the call for voluntary redundancies from the rugby department. They became embroiled in controversy over the appointment of Roger Randle as offensive line coach. Munster reached a joint decision with Randle to stand down from the appointment, sparking a ‘management review’ that threatens to spill over into the new season.
In addition, they lost the experience of 633 appearances, with forwards John Ryan, Niall Scannell and Jean Klein he leaves. Munster, who had only three men in Ireland Nations Championship squad, it will take a strong start to shake off those dark clouds.
A key player
Munster will be praying that Jack Crowley is free from the blood vessel problems that caused dead leg symptoms and forced him to miss the end of last season. The province relies heavily on guaranteed combat. There may be help on the way in the form of Australian Will Harrison and Academy candidate Tom Wood, son of a Munster legend Keith.
Jack Crowley was outstanding at times last season, so Munster will be hoping the fly-half has put his injury worries behind him (Paul Phelan/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
One to watch
It’s a huge season for 23-year-old Edwin Edogbo who missed almost two years after rupturing his Achilles tendon in 2023. Ball returned last season and made his Test debut against Italy, but groin and shoulder injuries saw him miss the URC play-offs and the summer tour of Ireland. If he can stay fit, he should be able to continue for club and country.
Trainer box
McMillan asked the Munster board to back him or let him go after the fall of Randle. The province has shown faith in the draft in former Ireland and Lions center Jared Payne as backs coach. Mossy Lawler and Denis Leamy remain as assistants, with Jimmy Duffy coming in from Ulster to oversee the forwards.
Munster Prediction 2026-27
They need new signings and academy graduates to fire to stay competitive. A fight for the final place in the play-offs is likely.
Munster 2026-27 quotas
12-1
Vital statistics
With 59, Munster had their fewest regular season tally since the league expanded in 2021-22.
England prop Kieran Brookes swaps south of France for south of Ireland (Ed JONES / AFP via Getty Images)
Signings for Munster
- Kieran Brookes (Perpignan)
- Jack Augnier (Connacht)
- Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets)
- Will Harrison (Kintetsu Liners)
- Max Klein (promoted from academy)
- Seán Edogbo (promoted from academy)
- Ronan Foxe (advanced from academy)
- Ben O’Connor (promoted from academy)
Munster ddepartures
- Jean Kleyn (Gloucester)
- Thaakir Abrahams (Bulls)
- Fionn Gibbons (Ealing Trailfinders)
- Andrew Smith (Eastern Suburbs)
- John Ryan (retired)
- Niall Scannell (retired)
- Oli Jaeger (retired)
- Roman Salonoa (Nenagh Ormond)
- Conor Bartley (released)
- Paddy Patterson (published)
- Tony Butler (published)
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