Munster’s squad for 2026/27 feels caught between cycles. Clayton McMillan’s outfit are still capable of fielding a very competitive XV, but a closer look at the depth chart reveals a group that is still searching for its next generation of talent and is easy on players.
There is quality in key areas. Tadhg Beirne remains world-class, Craig Casey is central to almost everything Munster and Jack Crowley, if he can return to full fitness in 2027, remains a prominent talent in the back line.
This, however, is not a squad full of proven international stars.
Financial realities mean Munster are not in a position to buy at the top of the market, forcing them to employ more sparingly. As a result, several positions are built more on potential than established pedigree, particularly at fly-half, scrum-half and across the pack.
The picture of the injury certainly didn’t help. Crowley’s situation leaves a significant question mark over the most important position on the pitch, and arguably the defining question of Munster’s pre-season.
Will Harrison’s fitness issues only made matters worse, leaving the province heavily dependent on inexperienced options at number 10 before a ball was even kicked. Elsewhere, there are wards that look like they’re an injury or two away from being stretched alarmingly thin.
That’s not to say the outlook in Limerick is completely bleak. In fact, there is a strong argument that the foundations of Munster’s next great side have already been laid. The likes of Tom Ahern, Brian Gleeson, Ruadhán Quinn, the Edogbo brothers, Tom Wood and Charlie O’Shea represent an exciting array of talent.
The challenge for McMillan is to keep Munster competitive because, on paper at least, this is not a team that will worry Europe or the URC’s heavyweights this season.
Senior Squad
whore: Marnus van der Merwe, Diarmuid Barron, Lee Barron, Max Clein
On paper, Munster look healthier on the hook than they have in a few seasons. The arrival of Springbok Marnus van der Merwe adds genuine pedigree, while Diarmuid Barron remains a reliably abrasive presence. Lee Barron has settled in well since moving south, while academy prospects Clein and Danny Sheahan provide provincial development depth. It’s not a Leinster-level force, but it’s a solid and balanced group.
7/10
Relaxed head: Jeremy Loughman, Michael Milne, Josh Wycherley, Mark Donnelly
7/10
Solid head: Jack Aungier, Michael Alaalatoa, Kieran Brookes, Kieran Ryan, Ronan Foxe
7/10
lock: Tadhg Beirne, Fineen Wycherley, Tom Ahern, Edwin Edogbo, Conor Ryan, Evan O’Connell
8/10
last line: Jack O’Donoghue, Gavin Coombes, John Hodnett, Alex Kendellen, Ruadhán Quinn, Brian Gleeson, Seán Edogbo
OK, so it lacks a lot of star power, but the depth of quality in Munster’s back row is impressive. Hodnett, Coombes and Kendellen are proven operators, while Gleeson, Quinn and Seán Edogbo possess huge ceilings. O’Donoghue has become a wily old veteran of the crew, even if they have yet to plug the hole left by Peter O’Mahony. There is a decent mix of experience and youth, and McMillan should have plenty of combinations at his disposal.
7.5/10
Scrum-half: Craig Casey, Ethan Coughlan, Ben O’Donovan, Hubert Gilvarry
Casey is the undisputed leader of the department and one of the most influential players in the squad, but spends international windows at Andy Farrell’s Ireland camp. Former NZ U20 star O’Donovan is an exciting addition, albeit a little green at senior level. Coughlan has shown encouraging signs, but this is still a position that relies heavily on one player staying fit. Sligo-born Gilvarry, who has two Connacht caps, will also be looking to add his name to the mix.
7/10
Fly-half: Jack Crowley, JJ Hanrahan, Will Harrison, Tom Wood, Charlie O’Shea
Normally this would give a significantly higher result. Crowley’s ongoing medical battle and the uncertainty surrounding ex-Waratah Harrison’s knee problem leave Munster in a precarious position ahead of the campaign. Hanrahan offers an experienced arm, while U20 stars Wood and O’Shea are highly regarded prospects, but the province suddenly finds itself heavily dependent on youth in a key position. They are in the market for a short-term loan in the position, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
6.5/10
center: Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Sean O’Brien, Dan Kelly
7/10
wing: Shane Daly, Calvin Nash, Diarmuid Kilgallen, Shay McCarthy
Again, no big names to speak of here. Nash and Daly, both on the fringes of the Irish side, remain excellent operators and Kilgallen’s powerful finishing ability is well established, but the loss of Thaakir Abraham and Andrew Smith leaves Munster a bit light on specialist wings. Injuries could quickly expose that lack of depth.
6/10
Back: Mike Haley, Ben O’Connor
Haley remains one of the most underrated back-three players at URC, and O’Connor is well-regarded internally. A few of Munster’s centers and wings can also be slotted in here if needed, helping to bolster the depth chart.
6/10
Overall rating: 69/100
TRANSFERS:
Ins: Kieran Brookes, Jack Aungier, Marnus van der Merwe, Will Harrison, Christain Foley, Jamie Conway, Joe Finn, Alex Lautsou, Christopher Barrett, Charlie O’Shea, James O’Leary, Rob Carney
Dates: John Ryan, Conor Bartley, Oli Jager, Roman Salanoa, Niall Scannell, Jean Kleyn, Paddy Patterson, Tony Butler, Fionn Gibbons, Thaakir Abrahams, Andrew Smith, Darragh McSweeney, George Hadden, Dylan Hicks, Gene O’Leary Kareem
