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URC 2026/2027 squads rated: Munster
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Munster’s squad for 2026/27 feels like one caught between cycles. Clayton McMillan’s outfit remains capable of putting a highly competitive XV on the field, but a closer look at the depth chart reveals a group that is still searching for its next generation of talent and one that is light on marquee players.
There is quality in key areas. Tadhg Beirne remains world-class, Craig Casey is central to almost everything Munster do, and Jack Crowley, if he can get back to full fitness in 2027, is still the standout talent in the backline.
This is not, however, a squad overflowing with proven international stars.
Financial realities mean Munster are not in a position to shop at the top end of the market, forcing them into more thrifty recruitment. As a result, several positions are built more on potential than established pedigree, particularly at fly-half, scrum-half and across sections of the pack.
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The injury picture certainly hasn’t helped. Crowley’s situation leaves a significant question mark over the most important position on the field, and arguably the defining issue of Munster’s pre-season.
Will Harrison’s own fitness problems have only compounded matters, leaving the province heavily dependent on inexperienced options at No.10 before a ball has even been kicked. Elsewhere, there are departments that look one or two injuries away from being stretched alarmingly thin.
That is not to say the outlook in Limerick is entirely bleak. In fact, there is a strong argument that the foundations of Munster’s next great side are already in place. The likes of Tom Ahern, Brian Gleeson, Ruadhán Quinn, the Edogbo brothers, Tom Wood and Charlie O’Shea represent an exciting crop of talent.
The challenge for McMillan is keeping Munster competitive, as, on paper at least, this isn’t a squad that is going to worry Europe or the URC’s heavyweights this season.
Senior Squad
Hooker: Marnus van der Merwe, Diarmuid Barron, Lee Barron, Max Clein
On paper, Munster look healthier at hooker than they have in a number of seasons. The arrival of Springbok Marnus van der Merwe adds genuine pedigree, while Diarmuid Barron remains a reliably abrasive presence. Lee Barron has settled well since making the move south, while academy prospects Clein and Danny Sheahan give the province developmental depth. It is not Leinster-level strength, but it is a solid and balanced group.
7/10
Loose-head: Jeremy Loughman, Michael Milne, Josh Wycherley, Mark Donnelly
Ireland international Loughman remains the standout operator and one of the province’s most dependable forwards, while the addition of Michael Milne last season from Leinster looks increasingly important. Wycherley offers 88 caps of experience and still has road in front of him in terms of improvement. Behind them, Donnelly will be looking to add to his 16 caps.
7/10
Tight-head: Jack Aungier, Michael Alaalatoa, Kieran Brookes, Kieran Ryan, Ronan Foxe
Irish-qualified Brookes’ addition from Toulon is the headline in this department and will go some way to mitigating the loss of Oli Jager and Roman Salanoa. With that said, 27-year-old Aungier’s arrival from Connacht is a close second. The IRFU will be keen for both of them to get plenty of starting game time to bolster Ireland’s selection depth. Well-worn Samoan veteran Alaalatoa also remains on the books, although questions remain around how much the 35-year-old has left in the tank. The concern is age profile rather than quality, but this remains one of Munster’s stronger departments.
7/10
Lock: Tadhg Beirne, Fineen Wycherley, Tom Ahern, Edwin Edogbo, Conor Ryan, Evan O’Connell
Jean Kleyn’s departure to Gloucester is significant, but Munster still possess enviable depth in the engine room. Beirne remains among the elite forwards in the sport while Ahern’s trajectory continues upwards. Nearly minted Ireland international Edwin Edogbo can become a cornerstone player if injuries and surgeries finally leave him alone. There is also considerable promise coming through beneath them, with Ireland A international O’Connell very much a coming force.
8/10
Back-row: Jack O’Donoghue, Gavin Coombes, John Hodnett, Alex Kendellen, Ruadhán Quinn, Brian Gleeson, Seán Edogbo
Okay, so it lacks out-and-out 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 enormous ceilings. O’Donoghue has become the wily old veteran of the crew, even if they are yet to plug the hole left by Peter O’Mahony. There is a decent blend 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 spend international windows in Andy Farrell’s Ireland camp. Former NZ U20 star O’Donovan is an exciting addition, if a little green at senior level. Coughlan has shown encouraging signs, but this is still a position heavily reliant on one player staying fit. Sligo native Gilvarry, who has two caps for Connacht, will also be looking to add his name into the mix.
7/10
Fly-half: Jack Crowley, JJ Hanrahan, Will Harrison, Tom Wood, Charlie O’Shea
Ordinarily this would score considerably higher. Crowley’s ongoing medical battle and the uncertainty surrounding ex-Waratah Harrison’s knee issues leave Munster in a precarious position heading into the campaign. Hanrahan offers an experienced hand, while U20 stars Wood and O’Shea are highly regarded prospects, but the province suddenly find themselves heavily dependent on youth at a pivotal position. They are in the market for a short-term loan in the position, but nothing has yet been confirmed.
6.5/10
Centre: Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Seán O’Brien, Dan Kelly
It might not quite be an elite unit, but there’s still plenty to like about Munster’s midfield. Dan Kelly continues to grow after switching from Leicester Tigers in 2025. Farrell, who was rewarded with an Ireland call-up last season, and Kiwi battler Nankivell bring experience and physicality. There is quality here, although perhaps not the star power of some rival provinces.
7/10
Wing: Shane Daly, Calvin Nash, Diarmuid Kilgallen, Shay McCarthy
Again, no huge names to speak of here. Nash and Daly, both of whom are on the fringes of the Ireland squad, remain excellent operators, and the powerful Kilgallen’s finishing ability is well established, but the loss of Thaakir Abrahams and Andrew Smith leaves Munster looking somewhat light on specialist wings. Injuries could expose that lack of depth quickly.
6/10
Full-back: Mike Haley, Ben O’Connor
Haley continues to be one of the most underrated back-three players in the URC and O’Connor is well regarded internally. Several of Munster’s centres and wings can also slot in here if required, 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
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
Outs: 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
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