2022–23 Munster Rugby season

{{Infobox rugby team

| teamname = 2022–23 Munster Rugby season

| image =

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| founded =

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| ground = Thomond Park (Capacity: 25,600)Thomond Park's official capacity is 25,600 but can be expanded up to 26,276 with temporary seating.
Musgrave Park (Capacity: 8,008)

| capacity =

| president = Ger McNamara

| ceo = Ian Flanagan

| chairman = Gerry O'Shea

| rugby director =

| coach = Graham Rowntree

| captain = Peter O'Mahony

| appearances = {{collapsible list

| title = Two players

| 1 = Jean Kleyn (24)

| 2 = Shane Daly (24)

}}

| top scorer = Joey Carbery (124)

| most tries = Gavin Coombes (14)

| league = United Rugby Championship

| season = 2022–23 United Rugby Championship

| position = Champions
3rd, Irish Shield
(5th overall)

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| prevseason = 2021–22

| nextseason = 2023–24

}}

The 2022–23 Munster Rugby season was Munster's twenty-second season competing in the United Rugby Championship, alongside which they competed in the European Rugby Champions Cup. It was Graham Rowntree's first season as head coach following his promotion.{{cite news|url=https://www.munsterrugby.ie/2022/04/12/graham-rowntree-confirmed-as-next-munster-head-coach/|title=Graham Rowntree Confirmed As Next Munster Head Coach|date=12 April 2022|work=Munster Rugby|access-date=12 April 2022}}

Events

Head coach Johann van Graan, who joined Munster in November 2017, confirmed in December 2021 that he would be leaving the province at the end of the 2021–22 season to join English club Bath. In addition to this, senior coach Stephen Larkham also left the province to return home to Australia to become head coach of the Brumbies, and defence coach JP Ferreira followed van Graan to join Bath. However, forwards coach Graham Rowntree extended his stay with the province by a further two years,{{cite news|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-40845080.html|title=Peter O'Mahony admits coaching uncertainty 'not ideal'|date=6 April 2022|work=Irish Examiner|access-date=9 April 2022}} and the province confirmed in April 2022 that Rowntree would be promoted to head coach from the 2022–23 season. Mike Prendergast, a former scrum-half for the province, joined Rowntree's coaching setup as the attack coach on a three-year contract, having most recently fulfilled a similar role for French club Racing 92.{{cite news|url=https://www.the42.ie/mike-prendergast-munster-5754910-May2022/|title='A family choice' - Mike Prendergast joins Rowntree at Munster|date=4 May 2022|work=The42|access-date=4 May 2022}} Andi Kyriacou, who had joined the province in April 2021 as an elite player development officer with the academy, was promoted to forwards coach with the senior squad on a two-year contract,{{cite news|url=https://www.the42.ie/andi-kyriacou-munster-forwards-coach-5761982-May2022/|title=Andi Kyriacou confirmed as Munster forwards coach under Rowntree|date=12 May 2022|work=The42|access-date=12 May 2022}} and former Munster player Denis Leamy returned to the province as defence coach on a three-year contract.{{cite news|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-40885934.html|title=Denis Leamy to return to Munster as defence coach|date=1 June 2022|work=Irish Examiner|access-date=1 June 2022}} Three additions were also made to the academy staff, with former players Brendan O'Connor and Tommy O'Donnell joining as elite player development officers and Matt Brown joining as pathway development coach.{{cite news|url=https://www.munsterrugby.ie/2022/08/23/three-new-appointments-to-munster-academy/|title=Three New Appointments To Munster Academy|date=23 August 2022|work=Munster Rugby|access-date=24 August 2022}}

In player news, Munster's marquee signing ahead of the commencement of the season was centre Malakai Fekitoa, who won the 2015 Rugby World Cup with New Zealand before reverting his international allegiance to his native Tonga.{{cite news|url=https://www.munsterrugby.ie/2022/02/02/malakai-fekitoa-to-join-munster-rugby/|title=Malakai Fekitoa To Join Munster Rugby|date=2 February 2022|work=Munster Rugby|access-date=9 April 2022}} Irish-qualified hooker Chris Moore joined from Exeter University,{{cite news|url=https://www.munsterrugby.ie/2022/02/23/three-academy-players-stepping-up-new-addition/#post|title=Three Academy Players Stepping Up & New Addition|date=23 February 2022|work=Munster Rugby|access-date=9 April 2022}} and five players were promoted from the academy to the senior squad: hooker Scott Buckley,{{cite news|url=https://www.munsterrugby.ie/2022/01/12/key-players-continue-to-commit-to-munster-rugby/|title=Key Players Continue To Commit To Munster Rugby|date=12 January 2022|work=Munster Rugby|access-date=9 April 2022}} lock Paddy Kelly, back-rower Alex Kendellen,{{cite news|url=https://www.munsterrugby.ie/2022/01/05/six-munster-players-sign-two-year-contract-extensions/|title=Six Munster Players Sign Two-Year Contract Extensions|date=5 January 2022|work=Munster Rugby|access-date=9 April 2022}} lock Eoin O'Connor, and scrum-half Paddy Patterson. Centre Antoine Frisch, who is Irish-qualified, also joined the province from English club Bristol Bears.{{cite news|url=https://www.the42.ie/munster-antoine-frisch-5743126-Apr2022/|title=Munster confirm signing of Irish-qualified Antoine Frisch on three-year-deal|date=20 April 2022|work=The42|access-date=21 April 2022}} Six players joined year one of Munster's academy programme ahead of the season: props Darragh McSweeney and Kieran Ryan, lock Evan O'Connell, back-row Ruadhán Quinn, scrum-half Jack Oliver and centre Fionn Gibbons.{{cite news|url=https://www.munsterrugby.ie/2022/06/23/six-players-to-join-greencore-munster-rugby-academy/|title=Six Players To Join Greencore Munster Rugby Academy|date=23 June 2022|work=Munster Rugby|access-date=23 June 2022}}

Hooker Declan Moore left the province to join Ulster on a permanent basis, having spent time on loan at the northern province during the previous season.{{cite news|url=https://ulster.rugby/content/shanahan-postlethwaite-and-moxham-commit-to-ulster-as-moore-signs-on|title=Shanahan, Postlethwaite and Moxham commit to Ulster as Moore signs on|date=1 February 2022|work=Ulster Rugby|access-date=9 April 2022}} Fly-half Jake Flannery joined Moore in moving north to Ulster,{{cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/ulster-rugby/ulster-announce-signing-of-munster-fly-half-jake-flannery-on-one-year-deal-41457012.html|title=Ulster announce signing of Munster fly-half Jake Flannery on one-year deal|date=17 March 2022|work=Belfast Telegraph|access-date=9 April 2022}} whilst lock Jason Jenkins moved east to join Leinster after an injury-disrupted season at Munster,{{cite news|url=https://www.the42.ie/jason-jenkins-leinster-move-5692190-Feb2022/|title=Leinster confirm signing of South African international from Munster|date=24 February 2022|work=The42|access-date=9 April 2022}} and fullback Matt Gallagher and flanker Chris Cloete joined former head coach Johann van Graan at Bath.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/60568756|title=Joe Maddock returns to Bath as attack coach as club signs three new players|date=1 March 2022|work=BBC Sport|access-date=9 April 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2022/0330/1289307-cloete-the-latest-to-swap-munster-for-bath/|title=Cloete the latest to swap Munster for Bath next season|date=30 March 2022|work=RTÉ Sport|access-date=9 April 2022}} Veteran prop John Ryan left to join English club Wasps,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/60984192|title=John Ryan: Wasps sign Ireland prop from Munster for 2022-23 season|date=4 April 2022|work=BBC Sport|access-date=9 April 2022}} and hooker Kevin O'Byrne joined English RFU Championship club Ealing Trailfinders.{{cite news|url=https://www.munsterrugby.ie/2022/05/23/kevin-obyrne-to-depart-munster-rugby-for-ealing/|title=Kevin O'Byrne To Depart Munster Rugby For Ealing|date=23 May 2022|work=Munster Rugby|access-date=23 May 2022}} Centre Alex McHenry and back-three Seán French left the province to join English Championship clubs Jersey Reds{{cite news|url=https://www.jerseyreds.je/news_article/reds-quintet-of-new-signings-brings-reds-squad-close-to-completion/|title=Red quintet of new signingsbrings Reds'squad close to completion|date=17 June 2022|work=Jersey Reds|access-date=17 June 2022}} and Bedford Blues{{cite news|url=https://bedfordrugby.co.uk/news/2022/06/sean-french-heads-across-irish-sea-join-bedford|title=Seán French heads across the Irish Sea to join Bedford|date=16 June 2022|work=Bedford Rugby|access-date=17 June 2022}} respectively, whilst scrum-half Rowan Osborne and academy back-three Jonathan Wren were both forced to retire due to injury,{{cite news|url=https://www.munsterrugby.ie/2022/06/10/munster-rugby-departing-players-confirmed/|title=Munster Rugby Departing Players Confirmed|date=10 June 2022|work=Munster Rugby|access-date=10 June 2022}} and South African world cup-winning centre Damian de Allende returned to Japanese domestic rugby with Saitama Wild Knights.{{cite news|url=https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/bok-duo-complete-move-japan/|title=Bok duo complete move to Japan|date=1 July 2022|work=SA Rugby Magazine|access-date=1 July 2022}} Centre Chris Farrell was released from his contract with the province in early March 2023 to join French club Oyonnax,{{cite news|url=https://www.munsterrugby.ie/2023/03/13/squad-update-preparations-begin-for-glasgow-at-thomond/|title=Squad Update {{!}} Preparations Begin For Glasgow At Thomond|date=13 March 2023|work=Munster Rugby|access-date=13 March 2023}} with prop James French and centre Dan Goggin also being released by the province in March 2023 to pursue a new playing opportunities.{{cite news|url=https://www.the42.ie/munster-squad-update-4-6020565-Mar2023/?lang=en|title=Hurley signs professional contract and Moore extends Munster deal|date=15 March 2023|work=The42|access-date=15 March 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://www.munsterrugby.ie/2023/04/05/dan-goggin-departs-munster-rugby/|title=Dan Goggin Departs Munster Rugby|date=5 April 2023|work=Munster Rugby|access-date=5 April 2023}}

Munster were drawn in pool B for the 2022–23 European Rugby Champions Cup and faced French club Toulouse, who have won the competition a record five times and have knocked Munster out of tournament in the previous two seasons, and English club Northampton Saints, who beat Munster in the 2000 Heineken Cup Final and last faced the province during the 2011–12 Heineken Cup pool stage.{{cite news|url=https://www.munsterrugby.ie/2022/06/29/champions-cup-opposition-toulouse-northampton/|title=Champions Cup Opposition {{!}} Toulouse & Northampton|date=29 June 2022|work=Munster Rugby|access-date=1 July 2022}}

Munster began pre-season with a 28–19 defeat at home to English club Gloucester on 26 August 2022.{{cite news|url=https://www.munsterrugby.ie/report_nostats/report-munster-lose-pre-season-opener/|title=Report {{!}} Munster Lose Pre-Season Opener|date=26 August 2022|work=Munster Rugby|access-date=29 August 2022}} The following day, after the GAA Central Council unanimously backed the proposal, Munster confirmed they would face a South Africa XV in a friendly held at Cork GAA's 45,000-capacity Páirc Uí Chaoimh on 10 November 2022. It would be the first time Munster have faced a South African national team in the professional era - their last such meeting was in 1970 - and would also see former Munster coaches Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber return to the province for the first time since their departure in 2017.{{cite news|url=https://www.the42.ie/munster-south-africa-pairc-ui-chaoimh-rugby-5851165-Aug2022/|title=GAA give green light for Páirc Uí Chaoimh to host Munster-South Africa rugby fixture|date=27 August 2022|work=The42|access-date=29 August 2022}} Munster's second and final pre-season fixture was a 19–14 defeat to London Irish on 2 September 2022.{{cite news|url=https://www.munsterrugby.ie/report_nostats/report-narrow-defeat-for-munster-to-london-irish/|title=Report {{!}} Narrow Defeat For Munster To London Irish|date=2 September 2022|work=Munster Rugby|access-date=4 September 2022}}

Munster opened their 2022–23 United Rugby Championship season with a 20–13 defeat away to Cardiff on 17 September 2022. Cardiff lead 12–6 at half-time, with Ben Healy scoring Munster's points from two penalties, before a 62nd minute try from Jack O'Sullivan, converted by Jack Crowley, gave Munster a 13–12 lead. Cardiff's lead was restored by a 68th-minute penalty from Jarrod Evans and Aled Summerhill's 77th minute try sealed the home sides win. New signings Malakai Fekitoa and Antoine Frisch made their competitive debuts for the province in the fixture.{{cite news|url=https://www.munsterrugby.ie/report/report-munster-beaten-in-cardiff/|title=Report {{!}} Munster Beaten In Cardiff|date=17 September 2022|work=Munster Rugby|access-date=17 September 2022}}

After a mounting number of injuries sustained prior to round seven of the United Rugby Championship, prop John Ryan returned to the province to provide tighthead prop cover on a three-month contract, having been made redundant following Wasps administration, Irish-qualified centre Oli Morris joined for the remainder of the season following Worcester Warriors administration,{{cite news|url=https://www.munsterrugby.ie/2022/10/24/player-contract-extensions-new-signings/|title=Player Contract Extensions & New Signings|date=24 October 2022|work=Munster Rugby|access-date=24 October 2022}} and lock Kiran McDonald joined on a three-month contract having also been made redundant at Wasps.{{cite news|url=https://www.munsterrugby.ie/2022/10/28/kiran-mcdonald-joins-munster-on-short-term-deal/|title=Kiran McDonald Joins Munster On Short-Term Deal|date=28 October 2022|work=Munster Rugby|access-date=28 October 2022}} After finishing his contract at the end of January 2023, Ryan will move to New Zealand to join Super Rugby team the Chiefs.{{cite news|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/130756730/chiefs-sign-irish-prop-john-ryan-to-replace-injured-all-black-angus-taavao|title=Chiefs sign Irish prop John Ryan to replace injured All Black Angus Ta'avao|date=13 December 2022|work=Stuff|access-date=13 December 2022}}

Munster's historic friendly against a South Africa XV went ahead on 10 November 2022. The match was a 41,400 sell-out at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, making it the largest attendance for a rugby match in the province, and saw Munster secure their first ever win against South Africa in a 28–14 victory. Winger Shane Daly opened the scoring in just the 2nd minute, with fly-half Ben Healy converting to give the home side a 7–0 lead. South Africa hit back in the 12th minute through an Aphelele Fassi try that was converted by Johan Goosen to level the score, but Munster struck back with tries from Simon Zebo and Diarmuid Barron, both converted by Healy, to head into half-time with a 21–7. Munster struck early in the second-half, with fullback Mike Haley scoring after just two minutes and Healy's fourth conversion of the night extending their lead to 28–7. South Africa scored their second try in the 62nd minute when Sikhumbuzo Notshe crossed the try-line, converted by Gianni Lombard, but the visitors were unable to mount a comeback and Munster hung on to earn a famous win.{{cite news|url=https://www.munsterrugby.ie/report/report-munster-secure-historic-victory-over-sa-select-xv/|title=Report {{!}} Munster Secure Historic Victory Over SA Select XV|date=10 November 2022|work=Munster Rugby|access-date=13 November 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41004179.html|title='That is going to give us a shot in the arm' - Rowntree savours Springbok scalp|date=10 November 2022|work=Irish Examiner|access-date=13 November 2022}}

Munster opened their 2022–23 Champions Cup campaign with an 18–13 defeat at home to French club Toulouse on 11 December 2022. Munster took the lead in the 9th minute through a Joey Carbery try (Munster's 500th in European competitive rugby), which the fly-half also converted, before Toulouse responded with a Matthis Lebel try in the 22nd minute, converted by Thomas Ramos, before a penalty from Ramos in the 29th minute extended the visitors lead, though a Carbery penalty in the 38th minute saw the teams level at 10–10 at half-time. Toulouse struck almost immediately in the second-half, with replacement Lucas Tauzin scoring a try in the 42nd minute. Ramos missed the conversion but scored a 71st-minute penalty to extend Toulouse's lead to eight points, but a second successful penalty from Carbery in the 74th minute brought Munster back to within losing bonus-point range, but the province was unable to take advantage of an Antoine Dupont yellow card in the final minutes of the game.{{cite news|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41026382.html|title=Munster fall to Toulouse at Thomond in Champions Cup opener|date=11 December 2022|newspaper=Irish Examiner|access-date=11 December 2022}}

A huge defensive effort secured a 17–6 away win against Northampton Saints in round two of the Champions Cup on 18 December 2022. Number eight Gavin Coombes opened the scoring for Munster with a 13th minute try converted by fly-half Joey Carbery, before the home side got on the scoreboard with a 19th-minute penalty. Carbery scored a penalty of his own in the 26th minute, though Northampton hit back with their second penalty just two minutes later. Coombes crossed for his and Munster's second try in the 35th minute, again converted by Carbery, to leave the score at 17–6 at half-time. Munster had three players sin-binned during the second-half: Jack O'Donoghue, Craig Casey and Joey Carbery, and needed the aforementioned defensive effort to keep Northampton from narrowing the score and earn a hard-fought victory on the road.{{cite news|url=https://www.munsterrugby.ie/report/report-munster-overcome-northampton-at-franklins-gardens/#report|title=Report {{!}} Munster Overcome Northampton At Franklin's Gardens|date=18 December 2022|work=Munster Rugby|access-date=20 December 2022}}

In the reverse fixture against Northampton Saints on 14 January 2023, Munster raced to a 24–0 half-time lead thanks to two tries from Gavin Coombes and one try from Jack O'Donoghue, all converted by Joey Carbery, who also added one penalty, though O'Donoghue was sent-off for a high tackle during the half. What looked like a comfortable victory turned into a tense finish however, when Northampton mounted a comeback during the second-half, scoring 20 unanswered points to come within a try of winning the game themselves, but a 75th-minute penalty from Jack Crowley and some last-gasp defence secured the victory for Munster.{{cite news|url=https://www.munsterrugby.ie/report/report-14-man-munster-survive-against-saints/|title=Report {{!}} 14-Man Munster Survive Against Saints|date=14 January 2023|work=Munster Rugby|access-date=15 January 2023}}

Munster's fourth and final Champions Cup pool stage fixture was away to Toulouse on 22 January 2023. The French club dominated possession and territory during the opening quarter of the match and were 11–0 ahead before Munster grew into the game. Flanker John Hodnett got Munster on the scoreboard with an unconverted 30th minute try, before a penalty from fly-half Joey Carbery saw the teams head into half-time with the score at 11–8. A superb team try finished by lock Tadhg Beirne in the 48th minute, again unconverted, gave Munster a slender 13–11 lead, but three second-half penalties from Toulouse fullback Melvyn Jaminet secured a closely-fought 20–16 win for the hosts.{{cite news|url=https://www.munsterrugby.ie/report/report-narrow-defeat-for-munster-in-toulouse/|title=Report {{!}} Narrow Defeat For Munster In Toulouse|date=22 January 2023|work=Munster Rugby|access-date=22 January 2023}}

That result and others meant that Munster faced an away trip to South African side the Sharks in the last 16.{{cite news|url=https://www.the42.ie/munster-sharks-champions-cup-5975882-Jan2023/|title=Munster will travel to South Africa for the Champions Cup round-of-16|date=22 January 2023|work=The42|access-date=22 January 2023}} The hosts opened the scoring with an early penalty from Curwin Bosch, but Munster hit back with a try from Shane Daly, converted by Jack Crowley, to take the lead. Sharks struck back with a try of their own from Jaden Hendrikse, and each team scored one more try during the first-half - Eben Etzebeth for the Sharks and Dave Kilcoyne for Munster - to leave the score finely poised at 17–14 at half-time, however, the Sharks scored four unanswered tries - two from Bongi Mbonambi and one each from Werner Kok and Curwin Bosch - to storm into the lead. Munster managed three further tries from Diarmuid Barron, Mike Haley and Fineen Wycherley, but with the scoreboard and time against them, the result was beyond doubt and the Sharks advanced to the quarter-finals.{{cite news|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41107183.html|title=Graham Rowntree: Munster let themselves down against Sharks|date=1 April 2023|newspaper=Irish Examiner|access-date=1 April 2023}}

A 26–24 win against defending champions the Stormers{{cite news|url=https://www.munsterrugby.ie/report/report-superb-munster-beat-stormers-in-cape-town#report|title=Report {{!}} Superb Munster Beat Stormers In Cape Town|date=15 April 2023|work=Munster Rugby|access-date=29 April 2023}} and a 22–22 draw against the Sharks in Munster's final two fixtures of the regular 2022–23 United Rugby Championship season, both away from home, secured fifth place for the province in the league table,{{cite news|url=https://www.munsterrugby.ie/report/report-munster-secure-5th-place-after-sharks-draw/#report|title=Report {{!}} Munster Secure 5th-Place After Sharks Draw|date=22 April 2023|work=Munster Rugby|access-date=29 April 2023}} and they defeated Glasgow Warriors 14–5 away in the quarter-finals to set up a semi-final away to Leinster,{{cite news|url=https://www.munsterrugby.ie/report/report-munster-beat-glasgow-to-earn-semi-final-place/|title=Report {{!}} Munster Beat Glasgow To Earn Semi-Final Place|date=6 May 2023|work=Munster Rugby|access-date=7 May 2023}} whom Munster defeated 16–15 thanks to a late drop goal from Jack Crowley, setting up a final away to the Stormers on 27 May 2023,{{cite news|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41138515.html|title=Munster clinch thrilling one-point win over Leinster to earn URC final spot|date=13 May 2023|work=Irish Examiner|access-date=13 May 2023}} which Munster won 19–14 thanks to a late John Hodnett try to secure their fourth league title, their first trophy since the 2010–11 season and the first silverware of head coach Graham Rowntree's reign.{{cite news|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41149351.html|title=Magical Munster see off Stormers to win URC title and end trophy drought|date=27 May 2023|work=Irish Examiner|access-date=27 May 2023}}

Player movements

Below are the players who joined and left the Munster senior and academy squads ahead of the 2022–23 season. Italics indicates players that transferred during the 2022–23 season.

=Senior squad=

Players in

{{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Scott Buckley promoted from Academy
{{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Alex Kendellen promoted from Academy
{{flagicon|TON}} Malakai Fekitoa from {{flagicon|ENG}} Wasps
{{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Paddy Kelly promoted from Academy
{{flagicon|ENG}} Chris Moore from {{flagicon|ENG}} Exeter University
{{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Eoin O'Connor promoted from Academy
{{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Paddy Patterson promoted from Academy
{{flagicon|FRA}} Antoine Frisch from {{flagicon|ENG}} Bristol Bears
{{flagicon|ENG}} Oli Morris from {{flagicon|ENG}} Worcester Warriors (short-term contract)
{{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} John Ryan from {{flagicon|ENG}} Wasps (short-term contract)
{{flagicon|SCO}} Kiran McDonald from {{flagicon|ENG}} Wasps (short-term contract)

Players out

{{flagicon|AUS}} Declan Moore to {{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Ulster
{{flagicon|RSA}} Jason Jenkins to {{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Leinster
{{flagicon|ENG}} Matt Gallagher to {{flagicon|ENG}} Bath
{{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Jake Flannery to {{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Ulster
{{flagicon|RSA}} Chris Cloete to {{flagicon|ENG}} Bath
{{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} John Ryan to {{flagicon|ENG}} Wasps
{{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Kevin O'Byrne to {{flagicon|ENG}} Ealing
{{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Rowan Osborne retired
{{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Seán French to {{flagicon|ENG}} Bedford Blues
{{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Alex McHenry to {{flagicon|JER}} Jersey Reds
{{flagicon|RSA}} Damian de Allende to {{flagicon|JPN}} Saitama Wild Knights
{{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} John Ryan to {{flagicon|NZL}} Chiefs
{{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Chris Farrell to {{flagicon|FRA}} Oyonnax
{{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} James French released
{{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Dan Goggin released

=Academy squad=

Players in

{{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Fionn Gibbons
{{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Darragh McSweeney
{{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Evan O'Connell
{{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Jack Oliver
{{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Ruadhán Quinn
{{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Kieran Ryan

Players out

{{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Jonathan Wren retired

Coaches and staff

Senior squad

class="wikitable"
Position ! Name ! Nationality
Head coach \| Graham Rowntree \| {{flag\|England\|rugby union\|name=England}}
Attack coach \| Mike Prendergast \| {{flag\|Ireland\|rugby union\|name=Ireland}}
Forwards coach \| Andi Kyriacou \| {{flag\|England\|rugby union\|name=England}}
Defence coach \| Denis Leamy \| {{flag\|Ireland\|rugby union\|name=Ireland}}
Team manager \| Niall O'Donovan \| {{flag\|Ireland\|rugby union\|name=Ireland}}
Head of athletic performance \| Ged McNamara \| {{flag\|Ireland\|rugby union\|name=Ireland}}
Strength and conditioning coach \| Adam Sheehan \| {{flag\|Ireland\|rugby union\|name=Ireland}}
Head of medical \| Jamie Kearns \| {{flag\|Ireland\|rugby union\|name=Ireland}}
Lead physiotherapist \| Damien Mordan \| {{flag\|Ireland\|rugby union\|name=Ireland}}
Physiotherapist \| Keith Thornhill \| {{flag\|Ireland\|rugby union\|name=Ireland}}
Physiotherapist \| Ray McGinley \| {{flag\|Ireland\|rugby union\|name=Ireland}}
Lead performance analyst \| George Murray \| {{flag\|Ireland\|rugby union\|name=Ireland}}
Performance analyst \| Paul O'Brien \| {{flag\|Ireland\|rugby union\|name=Ireland}}

class="wikitable"

Position

! Name

! Nationality

Head coach

| Graham Rowntree

| {{flag|England|rugby union|name=England}}

Attack coach

| Mike Prendergast