The appointment of the vastly experienced Clayton McMillan as Munster’s next full-time head coach is a further demonstration of the IRFU’s policy of hiring high-quality coaches at provincial level. His arrival underlines that Munster, with their rich history, retain a huge cache in world rugby.
This significant development is also a continuation of the approach taken by the Union’s preceding High Performance Director David Nucifora by his successor David Humphreys, albeit with a slight change in emphasis from Rassie Erasmus and Johann van Graan, as well as Graham Rowntree, to a proven New Zealand coach in the guise of McMillan, head coach of Super Rugby side the Chiefs.
He has a wealth of coaching experience over the past 20 years and has led the Chiefs to three Super Rugby finals in four seasons since being appointed head coach of the Hamilton outfit in 2021. Most likely, contact emanated from McMillan leading the All Blacks XV to a win over Munster at Thomond Park last November.
Equally significant is that Muke Prendergast, who has made a telling impact as attack coach, will remain part of the off-field ticket under the new title of senior coach, ensuring a degree of continuity rather than any disruption which might have resulted from the appointment of McMillan as Rowntree’s long-term successor.
As well as “working closely with McMillan”, the Munster statement confirming McMillan’s appointment added that Prendergast “will now have a more central role in team preparation, strategy, selection and recruitment.
“Prendergast, who returned to Munster Rugby in 2022, made an immediate impact as the province played some fantastic rugby on their way to a thrilling URC title win in 2022/23. The attack continued to flourish last season with Munster topping the URC table at the end of the regular season before bowing out at the semi-final stage. Earlier this month, he led Ireland A as Head Coach in their clash with England A.”
Furthermore, Head of Rugby Operations Ian Costello, who will remain as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season, has been appointed to the newly created role of general manager of Munster Rugby.
McMillan began his coaching career while still playing professionally in Japan before returning to New Zealand in 2007. He was head coach and director of rugby at Bay of Plenty in 2015, leading the province to the Mitre 10 Cup Championship in 2019.
In 2017, he led the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians as head coach for their clash against the British & Irish Lions and later that year was appointed head coach of the Maori All Blacks.
He progressed to the role of assistant coach of the Chiefs in 2020 and moved up to the position of interim head coach in 2021 before being appointed to the position permanently later that year.
A former police officer in New Zealand, McMillan lined out for Whakarewarewa along with captaining the Bay of Plenty as a number eight during his playing days, scoring 22 tries in 113 appearances for the province. He also played professional rugby in Japan for three years before transitioning into coaching.
“I am humbled to be given the opportunity to lead Munster, an iconic club steeped in history,” said McMillan.
“Leading the All Blacks XV against Munster last year gave me insight into the immense pride and passion of the club’s players, staff and wider rugby community. It was an incredible atmosphere and left a lasting impression.
“I am excited by the club’s ambition and core values. They align strongly with my own, and I look forward to joining the team in July.
“It has been an absolute privilege to work with the Chiefs and NZ Rugby. I am eternally grateful for the opportunities I have been afforded, and for the support of those I have worked alongside.
“The decision to leave wasn’t easy – I love my job, the people we represent, and what we value as a club. But I take real comfort in knowing the team is in great hands moving forward, with a talented playing group, coaches and staff.
“Whilst I look forward to the challenge at Munster, I am solely focused on giving everything I have to the Chiefs as we build on a promising start, with the goal of being genuine contenders at the business end of the season.”
Humphreys said: “In a high-calibre field of applicants, Clayton’s knowledge, energy and vision for the future of Munster Rugby shone through and we believe that he will be a successful appointment. He has worked in a successful franchise in New Zealand and is excited about working in Munster and developing the next generation of players.”
