LAST UPDATE | 30 Apr

MUNSTER HAVE OFFICIALLY confirmed that Roger Randle will not be joining the province as attack coach this summer.

Munster said that they and Randle “mutually agreed” not to proceed with the appointment following recent discussions and “having considered the circumstances that have developed after the announcement.”

As part of Munster’s confirmation that the deal won’t go ahead, Randle himself has stated that a claim made against him in 1997 was false as he maintained his “complete and unwavering innocence”.

Munster head coach Clayton McMillan said he is “personally disappointed” that the deal won’t be going ahead, while Munster general manager Ian Costello said it was a difficult conclusion to reach.

Just over two weeks ago, Munster announced the appointment of Randle on a two-year contract that was set to begin in July, subject to obtaining a valid work permit.

When Munster confirmed that they had signed Randle on 15 April, a historic allegation against him quickly resurfaced publicly.

Randle was accused of raping a woman in South Africa in 1997 when he was there as a player. Randle denied the allegation and has always maintained his innocence. He was initially charged with the crime, but that charge was later dropped.

The appointment of Randle not only attracted concern from outside Munster but also caused internal issues.

Three former Munster players – Billy Holland, Killian Keane, and Mick O’Driscoll – resigned from their positions as independent nominees on the province’s Professional Game Committee (PCG), while there were further resignations from Munster’s voluntary Commercial Advisory Group (CAG) in the wake of Randle’s appointment.

And Munster have now confirmed that Randle will no longer be joining the province.

“This has been a difficult conclusion to reach, but after recent discussions, it became clear that this was the best course of action for Roger, his family and Munster Rugby,” said general manager Costello.

“Our focus remains on supporting the team for the rest of the season and ensuring we have the best structures and systems in place for the 2026/27 season.”

McMillan praised Randle for his professionalism in recent weeks and expressed his disappointment that the deal won’t be going through.

“I want to acknowledge Roger’s professionalism throughout this process and the way he has engaged in what have been difficult discussions for everyone,” said McMillan.

“I am personally disappointed that we will not have the opportunity to work together at Munster. I know Roger well, he’s an outstanding person and coach, and I believe he would have brought a real quality to the programme.

“My priority and immediate focus is supporting the players and staff, who have shown resolute focus during a challenging period, to deliver the strongest possible finish to the season.”

Munster have also included a statement from Randle himself, who strongly stressed his innocence.

“I am deeply saddened that unfounded allegations from nearly 30 years ago — allegations I have always denied — have resurfaced during this process and overshadowed what was a wonderful opportunity to contribute to Munster Rugby,” said Randle.

“I want to state clearly that these claims are false, and I maintain my complete and unwavering innocence, as I always have.

“It became clear that the renewed public attention around these allegations had created circumstances where proceeding with the role was no longer the right outcome for our family. This is something that we accept with genuine sadness and disappointment.

“My priority now is supporting my family and moving forward, while continuing to stand by the truth.

“I would like to sincerely thank Clayton, the wider Munster Rugby organisation and its supporters, and I wish them every success in the future.”