Clayton McMillan addresses situation with Munster fans following season opener
- PREM Rugby side in advanced talks to sign All Blacks pair Beauden & Scott Barrett - October 9, 2026
- The freakish numbers behind Bristol’s 19-stone monster Pat Lam believes could become the world’s best player - October 9, 2026
- Shaun Edwards to leave England after agreeing deal with World Cup rivals - October 9, 2026
Trust.
Clayton McMillan says Munster must earn back the support of fans who have grown frustrated with the province after a difficult year on and off the pitch.
Just over 11,000 supporters attended Saturday’s URC opener at Thomond Park, where Munster surrendered a six-point lead in the final quarter and lost 26-20 to Glasgow Warriors.
McMillan hopes those who were there saw signs of progress, but accepts that others will need convincing to return.
“I think for the people that were here, I hope that they saw something in the team to be optimistic about,” he said after the game.
“After last year, we’ve got a bit of work to do to earn their dollars and cents to come buy tickets and come along and support this team.”
Munster’s results gave supporters plenty of reason for frustration last season. They failed to reach the Champions Cup knockout stages, lost to Exeter Chiefs in the Challenge Cup last 16 and just about secured a top-eight finish, before being soundly beaten 45-14 by the Bulls in the URC quarter-finals.
There was turmoil away from the pitch, too. The appointment of Roger Randle as attack coach prompted a strong backlash from supporters and resignations from Munster committees.
The province reversed the appointment two weeks later and commissioned an independent review of its governance, leadership, culture and communications.
McMillan said Munster had made an effort to reconnect with people during pre-season. He also knows results will matter more than promises.
“We’ve been very active out in the community in the pre-season, and we hope that performances and wins will put bums on seats, but couldn’t have asked for more from the crowd that were there today.
“I think they did a great job for us.”
Munster now face the Bulls once again at Thomond Park on Saturday. For McMillan and his players, it is an early chance to give supporters the home win they missed out on in round one.
