Ex-Ulster and Lions star Jared Payne completes provincial rivals' coaching team

Munster have completed their coaching team ahead of next season with the appointment of former Ulster and Ireland utility back Jared Payne on a two-year deal.

The 40-year-old, who toured the country of his birth, New Zealand, with the British & Irish Lions in 2017, brought his career to a close due to injury eight years ago at the age of 32.

Following a career which saw him represent Ireland 20 times and make 78 appearances for Ulster, the former Chiefs, Crusaders and Blues back joined the Ulster coaching staff, serving as defence coach for four years before spending a season with ASM Clermont-Auvergne in France. He has spent the last three seasons with the Scarlets, working initially as attack coach before transitioning to focus on the defence.

Alongside Payne’s signing, Munster have also revealed that Mossy Lawler has signed a two-year contract extension, and will work alongside the former Ireland international in overseeing their backline and attack.

With the announcement of Jimmy Duffy as forwards coach last week, Munster have completed their coaching ticket ahead of next season.

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“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be joining Munster Rugby,” Payne said.

“Munster is a club with a proud history, strong values and a special connection with its supporters and community. As a family, we’re excited to become part of that.

“There is a huge amount of ambition across the club and I’m looking forward to working alongside the players and staff to help move the club forward.

“There is a lot to be excited about and I can’t wait to get started.”

Head coach Clayton McMillan added: “Jared brings wide-ranging skills, having played and coached extensively in Ireland for 11 years as well as experiences in New Zealand, France and Wales.

“Over this time, he has coached both sides of the ball and developed an excellent reputation for empowering players and assisting them to fulfil their potential. I look forward to Jared and his family joining the club.

“I’m equally delighted that Mossy has extended his contract. The attack portfolio is vast, and I have always had the view that it is a two-person job. There is accountability to bring a higher level of detail to their respective areas of responsibility within our attack framework, and I believe that in Mossy and Jared, we have two innovative and detailed coaches who will work outstandingly well together.”

General manager Ian Costello said: “Jared is a highly respected coach that we believe will be an excellent fit to work closely with Mossy and completes a very exciting and ambitious coaching team for next season.”