Controversial Munster appointment of Roger Randle called off

Ellen O'Donoghue

Munster Rugby have confirmed that the controversial appointment of Roger Randle as attack coach will no longer proceed.

The province described the decision as "mutually agreed," following the consideration of "the circumstances that have developed after the announcement".

The appointment of Randle had triggered unease at the province due to an historic rape accusation made against the New Zealander dating back to 1997 when he was a player on tour with the Hurricanes.

The case did not proceed when the complainant dropped charges against him, and Randle always denied the allegation. Regardless, the episode caused huge disquiet when head Munster coach Clayton McMillan decided to bring him on board.

Added to that was the nature of the appointment in the first place, with chief executive Ian Flanagan, general manager Ian Costello and McMillan all reportedly deciding on the appointment before consulting with the province’s Professional Games Committee (PGC), according to the Irish Examiner.

“I am deeply saddened that unfounded allegations from nearly 30 years ago — allegations I have always denied — have resurfaced during this process and overshadowed what was a wonderful opportunity to contribute to Munster Rugby,” Randle said as Munster confirmed the news.

“I want to state clearly that these claims are false, and I maintain my complete and unwavering innocence, as I always have.

“It became clear that the renewed public attention around these allegations had created circumstances where proceeding with the role was no longer the right outcome for our family. This is something that we accept with genuine sadness and disappointment.

“My priority now is supporting my family and moving forward, while continuing to stand by the truth."

Randle also thanked McMillan, the wider Munster Rugby organisation and its supporters, wishing "them every success in the future."

McMillan said he is "personally disappointed" by the outcome of the process, saying that he knows Randle well, calling him "an outstanding person and coach.

"I believe he would have brought a real quality to the programme.

"I want to acknowledge Roger’s professionalism throughout this process and the way he has engaged in what have been difficult discussions for everyone,” he said.

“My priority and immediate focus is supporting the players and staff, who have shown resolute focus during a challenging period, to deliver the strongest possible finish to the season.”

The episode has been a needless and embarrassing own goal for Munster at a crucial time of the year, as the senior squad strives to claim the URC points needed to secure a playoff spot and a place in next season’s Champions Cup competition.

The reputational damage to the club has been considerable, and both the internal and external fallout will take time to dissipate.

This leaves Munster without an attack coach confirmed for next season.

Ian Costello, general manager, described the decision as "a difficult conclusion to reach.

"But after recent discussions, it became clear that this was the best course of action for Roger, his family and Munster Rugby," he said.

“Our focus remains on supporting the team for the rest of the season and ensuring we have the best structures and systems in place for the 2026/27 season.”