Stepping down.

Munster Rugby and the IRFU have today confirmed that Munster Rugby Chief Executive Officer Garrett Fitzgerald will retire in June on reaching the age of retirement.

Fitzgerald, who has served as Munster Rugby CEO since 1999, is the longest-serving provincial chief executive in Irish rugby. During his time, Garrett spearheaded the province’s rise in the professional era overseeing a 20-year period that has produced the greatest days for the province, with successes on and off the field.

Some of the landmark moments throughout an illustrious career include the province securing silverware in the League on three occasions and winning two European Cups, the redevelopment of Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, and the move to one training centre at the High Performance Centre in UL.

Most recently the Munster chief was deservedly honoured by the Federation of Irish Sport for his outstanding contribution to sport.

On confirming his retirement Garrett Fitzgerald said,

“I look back on my time in Munster Rugby with the fondest of memories. I have experienced fantastic days, working with great people in a unique environment, and for this I am very grateful.

“I would like to thank my wife Áine and family, without their support over the past 20 years none of this would have been possible.”

“A strong identity and unique culture are two of Munster Rugby’s greatest assets, and with the ever-changing rugby landscape it is this culture and a shared belief system that sees the province consistently thrive at the highest level.

“I believe harnessing all that is good about Munster Rugby will lead to future success for the province, and I look forward to seeing the brand and organisation continue to go from strength to strength.”

Munster Rugby and the IRFU will begin a recruitment process to fill the position. In the meantime, Philip Quinn will continue in his role as Acting CEO.