Munster Rugby coach set to depart at the end of the season
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Departing.
Munster Rugby have confirmed that Senior Coach Mike Prendergast will depart the province at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Now in his fourth season at Munster, Prendergast returned to the province in 2022 after a hugely successful 10-year spell in France, which included coaching roles at Racing 92, Stade Français, Oyonnax and Grenoble.
He made an immediate impact on his return and played a key role as the province produced some outstanding rugby on their way to a thrilling URC title win in 2022/23.
The following season saw Munster reach the URC semi-finals after a top-of-the-table finish in the regular season. Last year, he helped lead the province to the Champions Cup quarter-finals after a memorable knock-out win away to La Rochelle.
On the international front, Prendergast led Ireland A as Head Coach for their fixture against England in Bristol last February and was an Assistant Coach with the Ireland senior men’s team for the summer Tests against Georgia and Portugal.
Hugely popular among players and staff, Munster Rugby are disappointed that Mike has decided to depart. However, the province wishes him and his family the very best for the future.
“I’ve been in lots of different environments coaching and playing over the years but Munster will always hold a special place in my heart and it has been a really enjoyable four years.
“Working with the players and coaches has been an absolute pleasure but I believe now is the right time for a new challenge.
“For my family, it has been a really special time back home. Working alongside my brother Gar (Academy & Pathway Manager) for the past three years has been a particular highlight.
“I will be giving it my all to ensure that the club can be as successful as it can be as we approach the business end of the season.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Ian, Clayton, the coaches, players and Munster fans for all of their support.”
Munster Rugby will appoint a suitable candidate in due course, with reports suggesting that Prendergast will join former Munster head coach Johann van Graan at Bath in the Premiership.
