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'Incredibly tough decision': Alex Codling leaves Munster for Top 14


Munster forwards coach Alex Codling before the United Rugby Championship match between Munster and Cardiff Rugby at Thomond Park in Limerick. (Photo By Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
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Munster forwards coach Alex Codling will leave the club at the end of the season, with RugbyPass previously reporting that he will join Toulon in the Top 14.

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The former England lock has spent only a season at Thomond Park on a full-time basis, having originally joined as a forwards coach consultant in November 2024, alongside his role as forwards coach of the Ireland Women’s team.

The 52-year-old will fill the vacant space left by Sergio Parisse at the Stade Mayol, with the Italy legend joining Gonzalo Quesada’s coaching team.

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The move to Toulon will be Codling’s third stint in France, after representing Montpellier as a player and serving as forwards coach for Oyonnax.

Munster, who face the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday in the United Rugby Championship quarter-finals, are yet to announce Codling’s successor.

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30 May 26
Munster
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“It was an incredibly tough decision to leave Munster as I have loved every minute of working with this special group of players,” he said.

“I just wanted to give a big shout out to the incredible Red Army. Seeing thousands of you away at La Rochelle last year is something that I will treasure for the rest of my life. You really are the 16th man! I wish everyone associated with the club every success moving forward.”

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Head coach Clayton McMillan added: “Alex has an unparalleled passion for lineouts. This is reflected through his outstanding work ethic, high attention to detail, and strong connection to the players.

“We understand the significant sacrifices he has made over the last two seasons to help us grow at Munster, and whilst we will miss his influence, we wish him all the best in his exciting new chapter.”

General manager Ian Costello said: “We would like to sincerely thank Alex for such a positive contribution he has made to Munster in the last two seasons and wish him all the best in the next stage of his career.”

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SB 1 hr ago

Time to coach Ollivon and co.

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GodOfFriedChicken 46 minutes ago
Jamie Joseph pinpoints where Highlanders repeatedly fell short in 2026

In an article from years back, the Highlanders were mentioned as spending far below the salary cap compared to the other teams in the competition, particularly the Crusaders and the Blues with a key factor being more difficulty attracting top young talent. Part of that is because they’ve been historically the least successful team in the competition and that’s not always just mismanagement - they’ve visibly had less talent than most of the other teams in the competition for a number of reasons. Part of this is of course having the smallest population base out of all the teams but they’ve also the University of Otago not attracting as many players to the area out of high school as it used to. How is that the Highlanders’ fault? They can make do with other teams’ scraps but let’s be honest here - most of the other teams will be claiming their top talent first and their blue chip import talent will be guys from surplus positions such as winger (e.g. Tangitau) or players from outsider situations like Tavatavanawai (coming from Fiji and Moana) or Holland (latecomer to NZ and at a position that was covered in most other SR franchises).

That’s where you need to find parity. A different draft system could be “pick an All Black coach for your team” and the draft gives you dibs on who out of the ABs team becomes and assistant at your franchise. One cool way to ensure a key factor in acruing talent.



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